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Wilbur, the pig, is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner until his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him.
This classic tale has well developed characters. Charlotte's Web is a heartwarming tale of a lonely pig who wanted a friend. Throughout the story Wilbur learns many lessons about life, friendship and himself. Upper elementary to middle school students will be able to relate to the characters in this story.
Charlotte's Web is a magical story of an unlikely friendship between a pig and a spider. An 8-year-old girl named Fern, and her family live on a farm. One day Fern finds out that her father is going to kill the runt piglet. She believes it is unfair that it gets killed because it is small and defenseless. Fern names the piglet Wilbur and takes care of him until he is too big, at which point they sell Wilbur to Mr. Zuckerman, who has a farm not far away. Luckily Fern is able to visit Wilbur often, but Wilbur becomes lonely. Wilbur and and Charlotte, the spider, become the best of friends and have quite the journey together. Wilbur certainly is, "Some Pig." This is a sweet story that tells of how you can find friendship in unlikely creatures. ( )
I've loved this book since I was kid. I tried reading it to my daughter when she was only three because I couldn't wait to share it with her (yeah, it was too soon and I will try again when she's five). Lately I'm really into the podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text. I love HP, but I think Charlotte's Web may be an even better sacred text for me. As they say on the podcast, it has so many gifts to give.
Also, for me Charlotte's voice will always be Debbie Reynold's voice. Sorry, Julia Roberts. ( )
This is an old favorite that I re-read every so often, even though there may not be a young person around to share it with. Someone here recently mentioned there was an audio version read by the author, and of course I had to check that out. We all know the fine story of Wilbur, the runt pig, whose life was saved twice: once by an outraged little girl who wouldn't let her father kill him for being too small, and again by Charlotte A. Cavatica, a gray spider who devised an ingenious plan to prevent him from becoming Christmas ham and bacon. (Well, if you don't, you've missed out. Start with the paper book, because you really ought to have Garth Williams' illustrations in your head as you meet the gang for the first time.) On this outing, in addition to the wonderful characterizations of both people and farm animals; the simply delightful vocabu-abulary lessons; and the sensitive handling of the natural rhythms of life and death, I got to experience White's considerable talent at narration. His voice is pleasant, his inflections appropriate, and his accent a combination of George Plimpton, the Tappit brothers and Jack Nicholson. (I thought Paul Lynde nailed it as Templeton in the movie, but now I have to say I prefer Andy White's somewhat subtler, yet more menacing portrayal.) When I was trying to pin down White's accent, I got lycomayflower involved. She listened a bit, and suggested that he reminded her of one of the contemporary diarists portrayed orally in Ken Burns' Civil War documentary. AHA! I said to myself....George Templeton Strong...that's who! (Gotta love that his middle name was...ok, I didn't have to point that out.) And who provided the voice for Strong? George Plimpton. Yup. Imagine my surprise when, following the last chapter of Wilbur's story on the audio version, there came an Afterword written for the 50th anniversary edition of the book, narrated by...*drumroll*... George Plimpton. Some world. Audio version, reviewed in 2017 ( )
"Where's Papa going with that ax?" said Fern to her mother as they were setting the table for breakfast.
Quotations
On foggy mornings, Charlotte’s web was truly a thing of beauty. This morning each thin strand was decorated with dozens of tiny beads of water. The web glistened in the light and made a pattern of loveliness and mystery, like a delicate veil. (77)
“Winter will pass, the days will lengthen, the ice will melt in the pasture pond. The song sparrow will return and sing, the frogs will awake, the warm wind will blow again. All these sights and sounds and smells will be yours to enjoy. Wilbur – this lovely world, these precious days…” (164).
“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing. I wove my webs for you because I liked you. After all, what’s a life, anyway? We’re born, we live a little while, we die. A spider’s life can’t help being something of a mess, with all this trapping and eating flies. By helping you, perhaps I was trying to lift up my life a trifle. Heaven knows anyone’s life can stand a little of that” (164).
Every day Wilbur would stand and look at the torn, empty web, and a lump would come to his throat. No one had ever had such a friend – so affectionate, so loyal, and so skillful. (173)
Life is always a rich and steady time when you are waiting for something to happen or to hatch. (176)
It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both. (184)
No one was with her when she died. (171)
This hallowed doorway was once the home of Charlotte. She was brilliant, beautiful, and loyal to the end. Her memory will be treasured forever.
No one was with her when she died.
"Just the wrong idea," replied Charlotte. "Couldn't be worse. We don't want Zuckerman to think Wilbur is crunchy. He might start thinking about crisp, crunchy bacon and tasty ham."
Mr. Arable, responding to his son Avery, who asked if he could have a pig too:
"No, I only distribute pigs to early risers. Fern was up at daylight, trying to rid the world of injustice. As a result, she now has a pig. A small one, to be sure, but nevertheless a pig. It just shows what can happen if a person gets out of bed promptly."
(Chapter 1)
Last words
It is not often that someone comes along who is a good friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
Wilbur, the pig, is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner until his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him.
▾Library descriptions
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▾LibraryThing members' description
Book description
This is the tale of how a little girl named Fern, with the help of a friendly spider called Charlotte, saved her pig, Wilbur, from the usual fate of nice fat little pigs.
Haiku summary
Wilbur is a runt, Zuckerman plans to eat him, Can Charlotte save him? (Grimauds)
Charlotte the spider Saves Wilbur by inventing Viral marketing. (jmeisen)
In Earth unworthy, In danger near Christmastime, But one spider helps. (Firefox-Flame_dancer)
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Wikipedia in English (1)
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