Charlotte's Web

Article written by Emma Baldwin

B.A. in English, B.F.A. in Fine Art, and B.A. in Art Histories from East Carolina University.

Charlotte’s Web follows the story of Wilbur, a young pig who is in danger of being slaughtered. His only hope is his newfound friend, a clever and caring spider named Charlotte. Together, they work to save Wilbur by spinning messages within her web.

Along the way, they make many friends, including Templeton the rat, Gussy the goose, and Fern, the young girl who takes care of Wilbur. Ultimately, their friendship leads them on an adventure full of joy and heartbreak.

Key Facts about Charlotte’s Web

• Title: Charlotte’s Web
• When/Where Written: Early 1950s in New York City and Maine
• Published: October 15, 1952
• Literary Period: Contemporary
• Genre: Young adult fiction and coming-of-age tale
• Setting: Rural America
• Climax: When Wilbur wins a prize at the country fair.
• Antagonist: Templeton
• Point of View: Third person

E.B. White and Charlotte’s Web 

The author of Charlotte’s Web, E.B. White, was born in Mount Vernon, New York in 1899 and worked as an editor at The New Yorker magazine for over 40 years. White wrote written several well-known children’s books, including Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan. His most famous work is the beloved classic Charlotte’s Web.

The novel was inspired by White’s childhood farm in Brooklin, Maine, where he grew up around farm animals and appreciated their unique personalities. He also enjoyed observing their relationships with each other and with humans. Through Charlotte’s Web, White gives readers a glimpse into the lives of these animals, as well as a lesson in friendship and loyalty.

Books Related to Charlotte’s Web 

One of the most beloved children’s stories of all time, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, has spawned a number of related books. The world of Wilbur, Charlotte, and Fern remains one of the most endearing literary universes to explore, and the many related books capture the spirit of the original story in different ways.

Stuart Little by E.B. White is a classic book that often is mentioned in the same breath as Charlotte’s Web. Written in 1945, this story follows the adventures of Stuart Little, a “mouse born into an ordinary New York family” who has a great sense of adventure. This book is an excellent companion to Charlotte’s Web, providing a charming tale of friendship between different species.

Other books related to Charlotte’s Web include The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden and Mouse Tales: A Collection of Story Poems by Arnold Lobel. All these books feature imaginative stories about animals, providing a wonderful window into the animal kingdom for readers, young and old.

Young readers might also like Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Peterson, Matilda by Roald Dahl, Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, and A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

The Lasting Impact of Charlotte’s Web