November 15, 2003

A small insignificant piglet, the runt of his litter, is about to be killed when the farmer’s little daughter, Fern, intervenes and pleads for his life. He is spared and is duly named Wilbur. However, even greater dangers await this shy but playful animal as he grows to become a healthy and wholesome pig. It seems as though he is about to gain a new kind of prominence in the farm where he lives, by becoming the main course for the Christmas’ dinner! But all the while Wilbur has his friend, Charlotte, thinking and chalking out a plan for him. A friend of a slightly different nature, Charlotte is a little grey spider. She ingeniously spins a web and writes the words ‘Some Pig’ in it, to convince the farmer and the community around that Wilbur is no ordinary pig. The farm helpers wake up in the morning to find that this mysterious pig is sending messages about his unique qualities, including his apparent ability to write and spin webs!

This isn’t just a story of a pig and a spider being best of friends, but one of two very different beings caring and looking after each other. It is in their relationship that the reader begins to see the worth of true sincere friendship. And if you’re the softhearted sort it’ll have you weeping and reaching out for a box of tissues in the end. Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White is one of those books that everyone can enjoy regardless of whether they are young or young at heart.

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window)