Charlotte's Web: 70th Anniversary Edition (A Puffin Book)
illustrations by
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Charlotte's Web is the heartwarming story of a little girl named Fern, who saves a runt piglet named Wilbur from certain death. Wilbur grows up under Fern's loving care, but as he becomes a bigger pig, he is sent to live in a barn where he learns about the reality of being raised for slaughter. In the barn, Wilbur befriends a wise and caring spider named Charlotte. With the help of Charlotte and other barnyard animals, Wilbur not only fights for his survival but also learns about the true meaning of friendship, loyalty, and life.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
248 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What qualities do you admire in Charlotte and why do you think she wanted to help Wilbur?
How did Wilbur change from the beginning of the story to the end, and what events led to these changes?
What do you think the story shows us about the importance of friendship and helping others?
How do the different characters in the barn contribute to the story, and what do you think each one teaches us?
If you could speak to any of the animals in the story, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story, reinforcing that all opinions are valued.
Draw parallels between the events in the book and your child's own experiences to deepen their understanding and empathy.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or adventures for the characters to stimulate creative thinking.
Discuss the different character traits displayed in the story and ask your child which traits they would like to develop or admire.
Highlight the theme of friendship and ask your child about their friendships and what makes a good friend.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Compassion
Explanation: The story of 'Charlotte's Web' showcases empathy and compassion through the character of Charlotte, the spider who selflessly helps save Wilbur the pig from being slaughtered.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of helping others in need and understanding feelings from different perspectives, enhancing emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: The Value of Friendship
Explanation: Wilbur and Charlotte's relationship highlights the deep bond and loyalty between friends, demonstrating how true friendship can overcome obstacles.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to build and maintain meaningful friendships, teaching them about trust, support, and the significance of nurturing relationships.
Example Lesson: Acceptance of Life and Death
Explanation: The story gracefully addresses the concept of mortality through Charlotte's life cycle, introducing children to the natural process of life and death in an accessible way.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a healthier understanding and acceptance of life's impermanence, helping them cope with loss and change in their own lives.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Resourcefulness
Explanation: Charlotte exemplifies perseverance and creativity in her efforts to save Wilbur, using her web-spinning skills to write messages that praise him.
Real-World Application: This lesson inspires children to think creatively in problem-solving and to persevere in the face of challenges, fostering resilience and determination.
Example Lesson: The Impact of Words
Explanation: The story teaches the power of words as Charlotte's web messages influence the humans' perception of Wilbur, ultimately saving his life.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of choosing words wisely and the profound effects that words can have, encouraging thoughtful communication and expression.