Author: E.B. White
Title: Charlotte's Web
Illustrator: Garth Williams
Publisher: Scholastic Book Services
Year: 1952
Format: Picture Book
Genre: Novel with Pictures
Reading Level: Independent Reader
Interest Level: Elementary
Topics: Farm Animals, Friendship, Slaughter
Summary:
A little girl grows up on a farm. Despite living through many seasons of growth and slaughter she finally grows attached to a particular pig named Wilbur. The girl's name is not important. But she is approximately the age of the reader so he/she will likely identify. The time comes to make bacon and pork chops. In a last ditch effort to save the smelly beast, the resident spider spins a web with slogans such as "Some Pig". For some reason the pig gets credit for the web (which obviously belongs to a spider, not a pig). Regardless, Wilbur goes to the county fair and is eventually given amnesty. He finishes his years in the pig pen, more a pet than a beast of burden. Charlotte, the spider, croaks near the finale, as a transfer of the ineviteable death which naturally occurs. Before departing she leaves an abundant egg sack with thousands, if not millions, of baby spiders. Many of which will die.
Extension Activities:
- "Playing in the Mud" After reading the book we talk about how much fun it is to be a pig. Then we all run to the swamp, roll around, and then make oinking noises.
- "My Dog Died Too" After reading the book each student shares a story of loss. And then we eat lunch.
