Peter F. Neumeyer

Charlotte's Web may be America's best-loved children's book today. Its plot is seamless, its characters poignant and unforgettable, and the writing a marvel of ease and fluency. In fact, thought. E. B. White labored tirelessly over eight manuscript drafts, thoroughly researched the habits of spiders, and meditated on the lives of pigs. THE ANNOTATED CHARLOTTE'S WEB opens the door to the creator's workshop and allows the reader to glance over the shoulder of one of the most exacting and fastidious American writers as he forms his masterpiece. Included are:
information from White's eight manuscript drafts
cross-references to other writings by E.B. White
letters between White and his editors 
documents from the critical reception of Charlotte's Web
general literary-cultural commentary tying the book to its traditions

THE ANNOTATED CHARLOTTE'S WEB brings us closer to the book's author, enriches our reading of the book itself, and sheds a measure of light on the artistic process. Fascinating, humorous, rich in information, it belongs on the shelves of teachers, literary critics, students of children's literature, and anyone who simply loves Charlotte's Web.

(back cover)

The Annotated Charlotte's Web

E.B. White

Charlotte's Web

I can see this being a brilliant book for children, it's normal target audience. 

It was fine to read as an adult but some of the character interactions run a little hollow. 

A beautiful story about friendship and love though. 

If I'm really stretching there's a discussion about freedom vs captivity in the book, and exposition on farmers relationships with animals. Anthropomorphism on farm animals on a functioning farm is often interesting in this way.

Liam Richardson

I can see this being a brilliant book for children, it's normal target audience. 

It was fine to read as an adult but some of the character interactions run a little hollow. 

A beautiful story about friendship and love though. 

If I'm really stretching there's a discussion about freedom vs captivity in the book, and exposition on farmers relationships with animals. Anthropomorphism on farm animals on a functioning farm is often interesting in this way.

E. B. White

Beloved by generations, Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little are two of the most cherished stories of all time. Now, for the first time ever, these treasured classics are available in lavish new collectors' editions. In addition to a larger trim size, the original black-and-white art by Garth Williams has been lovingly colorized by renowned illustrator Rosemary Wells, adding another dimension to these two perfect books for young and old alike.

Charlotte's Web (full color)

𝚕𝚒𝚕𝚢

Chloé

I Mean This Is A Classic. I Wanted To Read Something Quick And Easy Though I Did Cry But That Ain't Shocking To Me Haha. But Yeah A Sweet Read.

Sarah Sammis

Deepika Ramesh

A lovely, lovely book. :) I did a huge favour to myself by reading 'Charlotte's Web'.

Full review here: https://worncorners.wordpress.com/201...

Annika Arguemore

one of the most epic books of all time. I cried ok? I cried. you go E.B. White! 4 for you E.B. White!!

arth

As an adult to read this, it doesn't sound so childish whatsoever and found it rather amusing and interesting to read by how the relationship between human and each animals were going. We told about friendship and faith to each other. And how someone stranger could be mean anything to us in a second later or someone who is hate by many and have quite a temper like Templeton could be any help to us if we treated them fair enough. It's a simple book but a heart warming experience to had.

Briar's Reviews

This is a beautiful but super sad story about love and friendship.

I read this book way back in my elementary school days, but I wanted to re-read it as an adult to see if it held up. I also stumbled across a copy in one of my closets while I was cleaning, so it seemed natural.

I will say this is truly a classic. It has aged so well and it still fits today's society. A little pig who loves his human friend and then makes friend with a spider. Her natural life cycle goes through, and he wants to love and protect her, and her children. It's so tender, so sweet and so utterly heartbreaking. It shows the true power of friendships and love. Life can be so short, so we might as well be kind to people.

It's a well made story and I'm so glad I read it again. It truly was a real treat! I can see why school curricula pick it up. It definitely didn't get the best treatment in my learning, but it will have all of my love and respect now.

I definitely feel this is a book you should pick up once as a kid and then once as an adult. The themes stay the same but your viewpoints will change. I used to relate so much to Wilbur, but as an adult I feel so much for Charlotte. 

Ah, so beautiful.

Five out of five stars.

This made me think that I need to read more about friendship because I really lack that at the moment.

Nota

The tale of how a little girl named Fern, with the help of a friendly spider, save her pig Wilbur from the usual fate of nice fat little pigs.

--back cover

Izza

Celeste Richardson

I saw the cartoon growing up, but this was my first reading. It was lovely. It seems that often the deepest and most beautifully written stories are meant for children. Which is why children's literature will always be my favorite genre!

Emma Motze

I never thought in a million years, that reading a children's book at the age of 17 would make me sympathetic toward a pig and a spider. I have always loved animals, and I tolerate spiders since they kill stinkbugs. This book is absolutely adorable and now I want to go out and find a pig and give that pig a spider to befriend. This story beautifully displays what it means to have a good and dear friend and is a great story for children to read. I wish I would have read this when I was younger, but I am glad I read it now when I am able to fully appreciate the message behind the story.

Krystal 

Keegan Lull

I was assigned this book for a class this semester. I remember reading it as a child and not thinking much of it, but reading this book as an adult made me have more questions than I realized. That being said, I believe my inner child enjoyed reading it again. Even though it is a children's book, I still enjoyed reading it as an adult with a different mindset.

Sixty years ago, on October 15, 1952, E.B. White's Charlotte's Web was published. It's gone on to become one of the most beloved children's books of all time. To celebrate this milestone, the renowned Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo has written a heartfelt and poignant tribute to the book that is itself a beautiful translation of White's own view of the world—of the joy he took in the change of seasons, in farm life, in the miracles of life and death, and, in short, the glory of everything. We are proud to include Kate DiCamillo's foreword in the 60th anniversary editions of this cherished classic. Charlotte's Web is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a little pig named Wilbur—and of Wilbur's dear friend Charlotte A. Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider who lived with Wilbur in the barn. With the help of Templeton, the rat who never did anything for anybody unless there was something in it for him, and by a wonderfully clever plan of her own, Charlotte saved the life of Wilbur, who by this time had grown up to quite a pig. How all this comes about is Mr. White's story. It is a story of the magic of childhood on the farm. The thousands of children who loved Stuart Little, the heroic little city mouse, will be entranced with Charlotte the spider, Wilbur the pig, and Fern, the little girl who understood their language. The forty-seven black-and-white drawings by Garth Williams have all the wonderful detail and warmhearted appeal that children love in his work. Incomparably matched to E.B. White's marvelous story, they speak to each new generation, softly and irresistibly.

Lindsay Hollmann

Sure, the little boy walks around with a rifle and the townsfolk praise the pig like a piggie messiah and totally forget about the spider that can spell, but I still cried once or twice so sentimentalism wins out again.

Barry Hess

I don't _think_ I had ever read Charlotte's Web before reading it to my girls. It was so much better than the other beloved White children's book, Stuart Little. I will say his characterization of the little girl was quite weak, which is something I recognized as the father of two (almost three) girls. The book has a tear-jerking ending, as everyone knows, and the writing is quite good for the most part.

Charlottes Web

Meredith Rose

It was so special to hear Charlotte's Web read by the author! He's not your typical narrator - his voice is gritty and he doesn't bother much with unique character voices, but to hear him read his work is like seeing it through his own eyes.

It's been almost three years since I last read this book, and what I found myself focusing on most this go-round was White's comparison of Charlotte, her web, and the words she writes to the press. Charlotte writes many of the words in her web based on newspaper clippings, and at one point, she says to Wilbur, "People believe almost anything they see in print." 

White himself worked in the news industry before he became an author. I don't know if he was trying to send intentional messages about this field or not, but I found myself picking up on a few lessons as I read: 1) for better or for worse, newspeople have the power to sway the views of others, and 2) if you're going to frame a story, do so with good intentions, like Charlotte striving to save Wilbur's life. 

I'm glad I figured out how to rate and review different editions of the same book because this definitely won't be the last time I return to this classic!

Jennifer

** spoiler alert **
           My must-have for my bookshelf. It taught us how to make the most of everyday from an ordinary miracle.

Hannah Alexander 

Everyone should read this book it is a classic and it teaches you an important lesson!!

adria

I absolutely loved the relationships between the characters of this book. These animals care so much for each other, it's incredible.

Marija M

"After all, what's a life, anyway? We're born, we live a little while, we die."

Aly Valenz

Charlotte Taylor 

Honestly my favourite book of all time but I’m probably bias since I’m named after the spider lol 

Krystal Campbell 

This book deserves all the starts and more. This book is ageless, now matter what age you are you will enjoy this book. It will make you smile, break your heart and any book that can evoke emotion is great in my eyes. Literature is meant to make you feel something. 

I highly recommend the full cast audio. Only downfall is it isn't long enough!