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Cover of Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web

E. B. White (1952)

SubgenreMiddle Grade Fantasy
Age groupMiddle Grade 8-12
Content ratingPG
Pages184 (Quick Read (<250))
SettingSecondary World
CSM age7
Goodreads4.21/5 (2067444)

Content levels

ViolenceMild
Sexual contentNone
LanguageNone

Trigger warnings

Animal DeathDeath

Synopsis

Charlotte's Web is a book of children's literature by American author E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams; it was published on October 15, 1952, by Harper & Brothers. The novel tells the story of a livestock pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur (such as "Some Pig") in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let him live.

Is Charlotte's Web appropriate for my child?

Suitable for most readers 7 and up.

This classic children's story deals with themes of death (the pig faces slaughter) but handles it gently. The spider's eventual death may be sad for young readers, but the story emphasizes friendship, loyalty, and life's natural cycles.

What to know going in

This book has mild violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include animal death and death.

Who'll love this

Kids will love the friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the clever spider who saves his life with her magical web messages.

Tags

Children'sAnimal FantasyTalking AnimalsFarm Setting