A Boy, a Mouse, and a Spider: The Story of E.B. White
on Goodreads (734)
What’s inside...
This book tells the story of E.B. White's life, from his childhood love of animals and writing to his successful career as an author. It explores how his experiences inspired his beloved children's books, including Charlotte's Web and Stuart Little. The lyrical biography, written by Barbara Herkert and illustrated by Caldecott honoree Lauren Castillo, details how a sickly Elwyn White found companionship in a bold house mouse, and how his longing for animal friends on the farm influenced his writing. As he grew, his fascination with the world around him fueled his journaling, ultimately bringing him joy through words. Today, Stuart Little and Charlotte’s Web are considered classics, and E.B. White is recognized as one of America's finest writers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-9
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the friendship between the boy and the mouse special?
How did the boy's relationship with nature influence his stories?
Why do you think E.B. White chose a spider as one of his main characters?
What feelings did you experience when reading about E.B. White's challenges and triumphs?
How can we use our own experiences and friendships to create stories like E.B. White did?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts on friendship and nature, drawing parallels to their own life. Ask them to think about characters from their favorite books or their own imaginary tales. Discuss the importance of resilience, portrayed by E.B. White's character, to nurture empathy and understanding. Share your own experiences related to the book's themes to enhance a deeper connection and discussion.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The book portrays E.B. White's journey of overcoming challenges and health issues in his youth, which eventually leads him to write beloved children's books.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their personal struggles, whether it's difficulty in learning, health issues, or emotional challenges, understanding that persistence can lead to achieving great things.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: E.B. White's transition from a curious child to a celebrated writer demonstrates the power of creativity and how it can shape one's future.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore their creative sides, whether in writing, arts, or other forms of expression, fostering a belief that their imagination can lead to meaningful contributions.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The story illustrates how White’s experiences and the characters he created, like Stuart Little, reflect deep understanding and compassion towards others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic and considerate, understanding different perspectives and treating others with kindness and respect.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The companionship between E.B. White and the mouse in the story showcases the value of friendship and support.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of building and maintaining relationships, showing that friends can offer essential support during challenging times.
Example Lesson: Courage to Follow One’s Passion
Explanation: Despite various obstacles, E.B. White follows his passion for writing, which encourages children to pursue what they love doing.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to identify and engage deeply with their interests, be it in arts, sports, or any field, understanding that passion can drive success and fulfillment.