"Charlotte’s Web" – a tale about friendship, hope, and renewal
When eight-year-old Fern discovers that her father plans to kill the newborn runt of the pig litter, she races out the door to rescue the piglet, prevailing upon her father to spare him in the causes of justice and humanity. After five weeks of bottle-feeding, Wilbur requires too much food for Fern’s father to afford. So Fern sells the piglet to her Uncle Homer down the road, where she can visit Wilbur as often as she likes. In his new barn, Wilbur thrives physically. But by two months of age he has begun to feel so lonely and bored, that he one day lacks the heart even to eat – an unusual condition for a pig! Fate again bestows upon him a benefactor in the way of the barn’s resident spider, Charlotte. Despite her apparent insignificance and bloodthirsty nature, Charlotte rapidly becomes Wilbur’s greatest friend, ingeniously delivering him from the untimely demise which awaits all pigs at Christmastime. This award-winning book is an unaffected and endearing tale of innocent optimism, love, loyalty, and courage triumphing over inauspicious beginnings, utilitarianism, and apathy. It is the enduring story of hope and renewal, which will elicit tears of sadness and delight from readers of all ages. "Charlotte’s Web” is recommended for Native English speakers beginning at eight years of age, and for English learners beginning in the seventh class. cok
