“Bells (with Voices)” by Roger Eno, Cecily Eno, and Lottie Eno (courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon):
“To be grateful is to find blessing in everything.
This is the most powerful attitude to adopt,
for there is a blessing in everything.”
Safa Sherin
Courtesy of waltzish:
In this post, I am reviewing a book that stormed the world with the power of imagination, dynamic storytelling, and always a moral message that would transcend cultural differences and be understood everywhere. And this is the sure-proof recipe for budding writers of today. Gratitude, after kindness, is the greatest virtue. John Robins wrote pointedly: “One who forgets the language of gratitude can never be on speaking terms with happiness.”
E.B. White taking dictation from his dog
E. B. WHITE (Elwyn Brooks White)
1899 – 1985
Courtesy of Harvest Books:
Someone once called E. B. White the most companionable of writers and to be one of the most compassionate, and his books are proof of this description. White’s command of literary etiquette was so sure, he could even make entertaining a book of grammar and usage instruction. He was a modest person and this was evident in his prose, and one can easily imagine his taking pleasure in the fact that his legacy would rest on the books he wrote for children, especially “Charlotte’s Web”, which is in a class of its own.
Courtesy of THNKR:
This enchanting story will make you both laugh and cry, and will live with you forever. I love this book with a passion! Please read this extraordinary tale, it will reinforce your perception of what is important in life – friendship, constancy, love, and gratitude.
Courtesy of BBC Earth:
The eponymous protector in the novel was inspired by a real spider, according to a fairly recent biography of the author. The biographer, Michael Sims, was reading through a collection of White’s letters when he found a reply to some schoolchildren, in which the author wrote that “I didn’t like spiders at first, but then I began watching one of them, and soon saw what a wonderful creature she was and what a skilful weaver. I named her Charlotte.” Sims was prompted by this observation on a journey to explore whether there was indeed a real Charlotte, visiting White’s old barn in Maine where Fern and Avery’s rope still hung and finding that “there had been numerous Charlottes and Wilburs and Templetons in his life – but that there was indeed a particular clever spider who helped inspire the book.”
Courtesy of CBS News:
In “The Story of Charlotte’s Web”, Sims describes how White noticed an elaborate spider web one morning in the autumn of 1949. Watching it over the next few weeks, he saw the spider was spinning an egg sac, and when later that autumn he realised the spider had disappeared, he decided to take the egg sac with him when he had to return to New York where he worked as a contributor to the New Yorker. White “carefully cut the binding strands of web that held the egg sac to the wood of the barn”, put it in an empty sweet box and punched a few holes in the lid. Weeks later, he saw that “tiny spiderlings, so small they were barely visible”, were climbing through the air holes, and, delighted at their antics, he left them to it for the next two weeks until his maid objected.
Fascinated by spiders, White researched them meticulously, even portraying himself as a spider in a poem for his wife Katharine which concludes:
“Thus I, gone forth, as spiders do,
In spider’s web a truth discerning,
Attach one silken strand to you
For my returning.”
The shy author, who also wrote the children’s books Stuart Little and The Trumpet of the Swan, often “hid behind animals”, according to Sims, even writing to his wife in the voice of their pet dog Daisy. Sims noted that “animals were his favourite acquaintances”, pointing to White’s comment as a child that “this boy felt for animals a kinship he never felt for people.”
“My foray into the field of children’s literature was an accident, and although I do not mean to suggest that I spun my two yarns in perfect innocence and that I did not set about writing Charlotte’s Web deliberately, nevertheless, the thing started innocently enough, and I kept on because I found it was fun,” wrote White in the New York Times in 1961. “All that I ever hope to say in books is that I love the world. I guess you can find that in there, if you dig around. Animals are part of my world and I try to report them faithfully and with respect.”
“Concerto For Clarinet & Orchestra in A, K.622, 2nd movement: Adagio” by Mozart, performed by David Campbell and City Of London Sinfonia:
The book begins with a jarring question: “Where is Papa going with that axe?” It is asked by eight-year-old Fern Arable, who is distressed by her mother’s answer: “Mr Arable is on his way to the hoghouse to do away with the runt of the litter born the night before because as he will explain, ‘A weakling makes trouble.'”
After much begging her father not to kill the little runt, Fern was given a piglet to bring up like a baby on a bottle of milk.
“Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn” (Watching the White Wheat) (Traditional, arranged by John Rutter), performed by Catrin Finch and Kia Bennett:
The realities of farm life fall under the spell of the author’s invention, as hard facts – the hardest being of course, that Wilbur the pig’s likely destiny is summed up in the words “pork chops” – are transformed into a lovely, funny, and deeply moving tale. The collaborative ingenuity of the animals in the barn – even the rat, Templeton has his innate greed turned to good use – drives the tale to its satisfying conclusion, while the natural cycle of death and renewal is closely observed. White’s attention to nature’s truths is surpassed only by his allegiance to the human virtues.
Paramount released an animated film version in 1973; in 2006 a live-action film, featuring an all-star cast, including Julia Roberts and Dakota Fanning, was released. Best of all is the charming audiobook version, read by the author. White was awarded a Pulitzer Prize special citation for the body of his work in 1978.
Courtesy of Rotten Tomatoes Classic Trailers:
An extract from “Charlotte’s Web”:
“The barn was very large. It smelled of hay and it smelled of manure. It smelled of the perspiration of tired horses and the wonderful sweet breath of patient cows. It often had a sort of peaceful smell – as though nothing bad could happen ever again in the world. It smelled of grain and of harness dressing and of axle grease and of rubber boots and of new rope. And whenever the cat was given a fish-head to eat, the barn would smell of fish. But mostly it smelled of hay, for there was always hay in the great loft up overhead. And there was always hay being pitched down to the cows and the horses and the sheep.
The barn was pleasantly warm in winter when the animals spent most of their time indoors, and it was pleasantly cool in summer when the big doors stood wide open to the breeze. The barn had stalls on the main floor for the horses, tie-ups on the main floor for the cows, a sheepfold down below for the sheep, a pigpen down for Wilbur, and it was full of all sorts of things that you find in barns: ladders, grindstones, pitch forks, monkey wrenches, scythes, lawn mowers, snow showers, ax handles, milk pails, water buckets, empty grain sacks. It was the kind of barn that the swallows like to build their nests in. It was the kind of barn that children like to play in. Wilbur’s new home was in the lower part of the barn, directly underneath the cows. Pigs needed warmth, and it was warm and comfortable down there in the barn cellar on the south side.
Fern came almost every day, to visit him. She found an old milking stool that had been discarded, and she placed the stool in the sheepfold next to Wilbur’s pen. Here she sat quietly during the long afternoons, thinking and listening and watching Wilbur. The sheep soon got to know her and trust her. So did the geese, who lived with the sheep. All animals trusted her, she was so quiet and friendly.”
Courtesy of Letters Aloud:
“Concerto in B-Flat Major for Cello & Orchestra, G. 482: III. Rondo. Allegro” by Luigi Boccherini, performed by Yo-Yo Ma and Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra:
naturetails 
Wow, this post is absolutely lovely! You’ve done such a beautiful job of capturing the essence of ‘Charlotte’s Web’ and sharing its magic with us. Your writing is engaging, thoughtful, and full of heart. I loved the quotes and music references – they added so much depth and emotion to the post. Thanks for sharing with us! 😊❤️
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Thank you so much, Prafulla, for the wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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A well studied analysis of the literary works, Joanna@!
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Thank you, Indira, for your beautiful comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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I have a deep respect for this book, Joanna but I have never read it. In Grade 5, while we were briefly away for a holiday, our son answered questions on this book with one word answers and the teacher gave him a failing grade, the only failing grade he would ever get…in anything. This little lesson at that time, helped him understand what was expected in school and he rose to top of his class in Junior and Senior High School, and in under grad and post grad in University. In effect, it was the greatest lesson he would ever learn. Now, I think I should read the book. Have a wonderful day. Allan
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Thank you so much, Allan, for the morality tale that made me smile, and is greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Sad to say I never read the book which I think would have been helpful to me. Children need to understand about the cycle of life and about how life has its ups and downs and that there is a way to navigate bad times. I must try to watch that charming film! Thank you for posting this. I had heard of the story but never knew quite what it was about. Now I do. Thank you too for all the images and music that make your posts so special.
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Thank you so much, Carolyn, for your beautiful comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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I’m not positive, but I’m pretty sure I haven’t read Charlotte’s Web or any other of his “children’s” books. I definitely should rectify that.
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Fine write-up Joanna. I think the illustrations really enhance the strong sensory writing. World most of us would be happy to visit regularly and maybe inhabit too.
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I have heard of Charlotte’s Web, of course, but I don’t remember reading it. So, thank you bringing it to life for me. And also, for discussing the author behind the book. I always enjoy reading about the authors.
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Thank you, Diana, for your kind comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Pat, for your wonderful comments, which are very much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, Neil, for your lovely comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Joanna, I loved this one. They can still teach us more about friendship and gratitude than a shelf full of self-help books. Thanks for bringing that reminder back today 🙏🏼
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Thank you, Ritish, for the wonderful comments, which are deeply appreciated!
Joanna
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Dear Joanna Ji, 🙏
Your article was not merely read, it was experienced. The way you have unfolded the depth and sensitivity of Charlotte’s Web proves that literature is never just a play of words, but a true meditation of the soul.
You have shown that this book is far more than children’s literature; it is a treasury of life-philosophy. Gratitude, compassion, constancy, and love these are the very threads of the web that Charlotte spins, in which we begin to see the truth of our own existence.
Your words reminded me of the Bhagavad Gita:
“He who sees the same immortal essence in all beings, undivided in the divided that one truly has knowledge.”
And as the Sufi master Rumi said:
“Try to accept the changing seasons of your soul, even if they bring sorrow, for new joy is already on its way.”
This is precisely what shines through your essay that within the impermanence of life lies the fragrance of eternity. E. B. White’s humility and love for animals remind us that a human being is complete only when compassion and gratitude are alive within.
From a philosophical perspective, Charlotte’s Web lifts us beyond the fear of death and teaches us that love, friendship, and sacrifice are what remain eternal. In your writing, you have woven all these truths with such beauty that it elevates the reader’s heart.
Your article does not merely introduce literature; it guides the reader into deep contemplation of the soul. 🙏
Heartfelt appreciation and boundless admiration for your luminous words. 🌹
— Vijay
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Thank you, Vijay ji, for your wonderfully analytical comments that lifted my spirits and made my day! You have illuminated the most important message of the book and added the quotes that I will cherish. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for your outstanding review!
Joanna
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This is a truly beautiful post highlighting the importance of active listening, loyalty, friendship, empathy, understanding, and the power of language. The opening quotes by Safa Sharin and John Robins perfectly set the tone for another gem from your collection—this time centered on Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.
The story of Wilbur, the runt pig, and his extraordinary friendship with Charlotte, the spider, is deeply moving. When Wilbur faces the threat of being slaughtered, Charlotte spins words into her web, praising him and ultimately saving his life.
Whenever I think of a spider, I am instantly reminded of King Robert Bruce’s inspiring story that I first read in childhood. Though I missed reading Charlotte’s Web back then, I finally read it just a year ago—and I couldn’t help but feel that such a book truly belongs in one’s formative years. It instills values of love, compassion, friendship, and gratitude, laying the foundation of responsible and empathetic citizenship.
While often regarded as a children’s book, its lessons transcend age, gender, or place. It carries timeless life philosophy in the simplest yet most profound ways.
Thank you, Joanna, for bringing this lesser-known yet immensely meaningful book to light. The post itself is fascinating, enhanced beautifully by your thoughtful images, audio, and visuals. I especially loved the amusing picture of E.B. White taking dictation from his dog. Thanks again for yet another wonderful share.
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Great read, Joanna, as always!!
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Thank you so much, Joanna, for sharing this interesting and engaging post about an author I know little about.
I was captivated by the wealth of information, the music, the lovely images, and the beautiful videos.
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Thank you, Kaushal, for your wonderful analysis of the book that made great impact on my beliefs as I love nature and all animals that share this planet with us. I also know that animals have intelligence and help each other, and humans, too. Your additional information expands my knowledge, and I am grateful for your sharing. Thank you again, Kaushal, from the bottom of my heart for making me more happy than I can express in words!
Joanna
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Thank you, Jyothi, for your kind comments, which are much appreciated!
Joanna
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Thank you, dear Luisa, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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Charlotte’s Web is such a beautiful book, Joanna, and you have done it, and the author, full justice! And I absolutely love Garth Williams’ illustrations!
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Thank you so much, Harini, for your beautiful comments, which make me very happy!
Joanna x
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Love to you and Felicity 💕
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Thank you, Harini, and our love to you and Topshe!
Joanna xx
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Joanna,
This beautiful post has given me a new appreciation for Charlotte’s Web. I saw the animated movie with my older daughter when she was young. I didn’t pay a lot of attention or read the book. Well, I did pay attention this time! Seeing the wonderful line drawings and learning about the author was an entirely different experience. The messages in the book are truly inspiring, and I respect the gentle honesty that is often absent in works created for children.
Thank you, Joanna, for sharing this meaningful post. ❤️
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Thank you so much, dear Cheryl, for your wonderful comments, which made me very happy!
Joanna xx
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Oh you are so very welcome, Joanna!
It’s my pleasure!!💓❤️💓
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Thank you so much, dear Luisa!
Joanna xxx
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I deeply admire your love for nature and animals, Joanna. Thank you for your kind words—you’re always most welcome.
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Thank you so much, Kaushal, for always being so kind!
Joanna
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Very happy, Joanna.
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Thank you for this beautiful review. Charlotte’s Web is much more than a story: it is a lesson in tenderness, gratitude, and friendship that continues to touch hearts in any era. Reading about E. B. White is to remember how the simple and natural can be transformed into timeless literature.
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Thank you so much, Lincol, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna
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A wonderful review, Joanna. Thank you. I keep learning as I’ve not read this author. One day…I’m in the middle of The Narnia Chronicles (C.S.Lewis) and another book, The Lost Elms (Mandy Haggith). 🤗😊💌
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Thank you, Ashley, for your kind comment, which is much appreciated.
Joanna
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I’m the one who’s grateful, Joanna! It’s always a pleasure to share with you and receive your affection. 🤗
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Thank you, Lincol, for being kind.
Joanna
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Joanna, another awe inspiring post. Thank you, especially for including his letter.
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Thank you, Kenne, for your kind comments, which are much appreciated.
Joanna
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Thank you for your outstanding post on such an wonderful review on Charlotte’s Web full of appreciation and heart. I love the story and you gave so much richness and depth with your great filming story. We have an affinity for pigs having had a pot belly who we adored! 💗
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Thank you so much, Cindy, for your wonderful comments, which are greatly appreciated!
Joanna x
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You’re so very welcome, Joanna! Thank you always for the wonderful
Gifts! 🩷
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Thank you, Cindy, for being so kind!
Joanna xx
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🩷🩷🩷
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My heart feels so big. A favorite book of mine, Charlotte’s Web. My 4th grade teacher read it to our class. We all fell in love with it. Such a wonderful story and nice to learn more about the author. Thanks, Joanna. 💕
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Thank you so much, Monica, for your wonderful comments, which made my day!
Joanna x
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