Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter.

E. B. White's Newbery Honor Book is a tender novel of friendship, love, life, and death that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.

perhaps a perfect book. (5 stars)

from aug 2021:
how did i never actually read this before? i'm so enjoying these middle grade books that i get to read with my kid, and this one was no exception. i loved it. this was a beautiful story, and it was written so well. i always assumed this was more a story about a girl and her pig, but it turns out i was made to relate to and appreciate a spider, something that is no small feat. the public may have been led to believe that wilbur was some pig, and sure he seemed awfully lovable, but charlotte was really some spider. what a wonderful story of friendship and standing up for/protecting your friends. and it's written so well. all of the animals and all of the people are so relatable. i loved this. (4.5 stars) ( )

I couldn't finish this book and don't understand why everyone else thinks it is so great. And also - ew?spiders! ( )

“Life in the barn was very good- night and day, winter and summer, spring and fall, dull days and bright days. It was the best place to be, thought Wilbur, this warm delicious cellar, with the garrulous geese, the changing seasons, the heat of the sun, the passage of swallows, the nearness of rats, the sameness of sheep, the love of spiders, the smell of manure, and the glory of everything.”

This is one of the few children's books I currently own in traditional book form and I must admit I enjoyed the feeling of crisp paper between my fingers.

While the sweet story of a pig's unlikely friendship with a spider remains a perennial classic for kids, it also is appealing to adults. I had forgotten how much science and arachnid anatomy was incorporated into the story. White also gets in a few 'digs' at us humans. “Trust me, Wilbur. People are very gullible. They'll believe anything they see in print.”

I cannot fail to mention Garth Williams adorable but mostly realistic illustrations. It would be difficult to imagine the story without the accompanying drawings.

Original date of publication: 1952
Newbery Medal Nominee ( )

This is a beautiful but super sad story about love and friendship.

I read this book way back in my elementary school days, but I wanted to re-read it as an adult to see if it held up. I also stumbled across a copy in one of my closets while I was cleaning, so it seemed natural.

I will say this is truly a classic. It has aged so well and it still fits today's society. A little pig who loves his human friend and then makes friend with a spider. Her natural life cycle goes through, and he wants to love and protect her, and her children. It's so tender, so sweet and so utterly heartbreaking. It shows the true power of friendships and love. Life can be so short, so we might as well be kind to people.

It's a well made story and I'm so glad I read it again. It truly was a real treat! I can see why school curricula pick it up. It definitely didn't get the best treatment in my learning, but it will have all of my love and respect now.

I definitely feel this is a book you should pick up once as a kid and then once as an adult. The themes stay the same but your viewpoints will change. I used to relate so much to Wilbur, but as an adult I feel so much for Charlotte.

Ah, so beautiful.

Five out of five stars. ( )