Charlotte's Web (Paperback)

Wilbur, a lovable pig, is rescued from a cruel fate by a beautiful and intelligent spider named Charlotte. "Told with delicacy, humor, and wisdom . . . a perfect blending of fantasy and complete realism".--"Booklist". Newbery Honor Book; ALA Notable Children's Books of 1940-1970.
 
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A timeless story of friendship, growth, death, and acceptance, CHARLOTTE'S WEB was E.B. White's second children's book. It tells the story of a pig named Wilbur, the runt of his litter, who is saved from an untimely death by Fern Arable, a spunky eight-year-old farmer's daughter. Hand-raised by Fern, Wilbur grows into a healthy young pig that Fern sells to her uncle, Homer Zuckerman, a farmer who lives nearby. Each day Fern lovingly visits with Wilbur, but her role as his best friend and nurturer is soon taken over by Charlotte, a wise spider who also lives in the barnyard. When Wilbur learns that he is being fattened up for slaughter, his despair moves Charlotte to promise him that she will do all she can to protect him from this fate. A no-nonsense but compassionate arachnid, Charlotte finds a unique way to let the world know that Wilbur is worthy of saving because he is indeed "SOME PIG." ||Best known as a contributor to The New Yorker and co-author of the writers' guide THE ELEMENTS OF STYLE, E.B. White was inspired to write CHARLOTTE'S WEB by his own experiences as a gentleman farmer. CHARLOTTE'S WEB reflects his usual meticulous attention to detail, particularly in terms of Charlotte, who, despite having the ability to speak, is depicted in a realistic, almost scientific, manner. A true classic, CHARLOTTE'S WEB has helped several generations comprehend the concept of death and embrace the circle of life.

Garth Williams illustrated several classic books for children including STUART LITTLE and CHARLOTTE'S WEB, both written by E. B. White, as well as all the books in Laura Ingalls Wilder's "Little House" series. Williams and his family moved around a lot during his childhood, giving him the opportunity to live not only in the United States, but also Canada and England. Upon reaching adulthood and returning to the United States, Williams tried to get a job illustrating for "The New Yorker" magazine, but his artistic style was considered too "European." However, it was "New Yorker" contributor E. B. White himself who suggested that Williams illustrate STUART LITTLE. In addition to illustrating the works of other authors, Williams also wrote and illustrated his own books, such as THE RABBITS' WEDDING.