Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
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Book Reviews of Charlotte's Web
Book Review: The Five Stars Say It All
Summary: 5 Stars
Had I a slovenly mother--had she let my clothes cushion the floor and dirty plates decorate the computer desk--perhaps my copy of CHARLOTTE'S WEB would have been wrapped around in strong threads made so endearing in the book. Though I received this marvelous little story in my childhood, it was not until two days ago that I plucked it out of my brown bookcase and flipped through it. My expectations going into the book? An easy read with static characters and disappointing narration. True, many characters, major and minor, are static--but what an unforeseen thrill CHARLOTTE'S WEB was.
It has been a few years since a story has made scenes from my mind's eye perspicuous; the drawings, as pleasing as they are, were unnecessary. The farm where Wilbur lives, in particular, was presented masterly. White's simple prose is clear and organized, but more important: it is precise. So easily the details are slipped into the mind and so easily the reader is able to see. The characters, too, are described and crafted wonderfully. Their personalities are distinct and, better yet, display virtues and defects.
Some may criticize CHARLOTTE'S WEB for its lack of obvious edification; the hard working characters often go unrewarded, and, seemingly, the ones who whine the loudest receive rewards. But life--and I do feel that this can remain unsaid--is not known for being the wisest judge. To see such a concept illustrated in a children's book so naturally, well, I can only applaud and emphatically say: how laudable. A wonderful story, it is; a definite read, it is. You too, the grown-up, will appreciate this book. After all, is it not nice to feel like a child again?
Book Review: Five Stars for Style
Summary: 5 Stars
A farm girl named Fern adopts Wilbur the pig and nurses him, but her father doesn't want to keep a runt, so he farms the pig out to his brother-in-law. Nonetheless Fern goes every day to visit Wilbur, where she sits on a stool and listens in on all the barnyard conversations. Charlotte, the wisest of the barnyard animals, tells Wilbur that his days are numbered, causing him no small distress. The spider finds a way to save him from turning into bacon by spinning words into her web. Wilbur's fame spreads until the day of the county fair, where he wins a prize. By that time Fern, however, would rather be off riding the Ferris wheel with Henry Fussy. In the end, well, as we all know, pigs live longer than spiders, but Charlotte has left her mark not only on Wilbur but on all who read this touching little story.
This is one of the strangest stories I have ever read. It's a bit like Puff the Magic Dragon, when little Jackie Paper comes around no more, but Wilbur was never attached to Fern in the first place. His one true friend was Charlotte. Of course the entire cast of barnyard characters, the rat, the geese, the sheep, the hired hand, all add to the color of the story, but it is the wisdom of the spider that spins the plot of this 1950s classic. E.B. White's style is simple and direct. The illustrations by Garth Williams bring out the earthiness of the story. I'll give it five stars for style.
Book Review: A great read, if a little sad
Summary: 5 Stars
I expect that most people who read this will know what happens at the end of the book, but in case you don't, I shall keep quiet. This last section marks the book out as a bit more mature than many children's books, dealing with concepts that some children can't handle until they get older. That aside, this is a wonderfully written children's story, taking place primarily in a farm yard and barn, telling of the characters with whom Wilbur, a pig, shares his home. The animals are all written so well, they seem like real people, and coupled with Garth Williams's excellent illustrations make for an enjoyable read for the 8-15 age bracket.
This story was recently turned into a film, and the book isn't that different from the film, however it does give nuances that only the printed page can bring, so is well worth reading even if you already know the story.
The story is so well-written it has won awards, and this small sample of prose shows just how good E.B. White is: "The Autumn days will shorten and grow cold. The leaves will shake loose from the trees and fall. Christmas will come, then the snows of winter. You will live to enjoy the beauty of the frozen world". It's just a beautiful piece of writing, showing that you don't have to talk down to children for them to enjoy books.
Book Review: I loved this book - 10 years old
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a story a out a girl named Fern who saves a runt piglet from being killed by her father. Fern named him Wilber. When he becomes too big Wilber is moved to Fern's Uncle's farm where he becomes friends with Charlotte,a spider who lives in the corner of the doorway of the barn. When Wilber realizes he is going to be slaughtered for Christmas dinner, Charlotte says that she is going to save him, and she does. They become best friends, who really would do almost anything for eachother.
I liked this book because it showed how friends are willing to save one another. When Wilber was going to be killed Charlotte saves him by writing " Some Pig" in her web. This gets Wilber a lot of attention and he is not killed because of this.
My favorite part was when Wilber helps Charlotte. She was dying Wilber promises to help her too. He takes her egg sack back to the barn where out comes 300 spiders, three of which stay with Wilber.
I would reccommend this book to everyone. It is a story about love and friendship
I give this book 5 stars and definately will read it to my children one day.
Book Review: Web of Friendship
Summary: 5 Stars
Wilbur, the main character in the book, is a spring pig, born at Arable's hog house, and sold to Zuckerman's. Life was wonderful for him, especially when he ate. When the spring was at its peak, Wilbur made friend with a spider named Charlotte. One day in early summer, a sheep told Wilbur that the reason they are fattening him up is because of the hams or bacons they desire. When Wilbur heard this, he started to cry and become miserable than ever. Noticing her friend's misery, Charlotte decided to trick the humans to think the pig (Wilbur) is unusual and to leave him alone. As a result, Charlotte spun a Web initializing the words "Some Pig" and few others like "Terrific" or "Radiant".
At the day of the fair, Charlotte's day drew near, and at Charlotte's Web, a word "Humble" was there. For the egg sac, Wilbur cheers, and with the word, humble, Wilbur wins the special price and lives till the end. Although Charlotte is gone, her children are with Wilbur, being friends. Although they are great, they can't replace Charlotte in Wilber's heart.
#Warning: addiction rate is high! ^^