White, E.B.
HarperCollins (October 2, 2001)
*Appropriate for grades 3-5.
Piglets are born on a farm, and the farmer's daughter, Fern, begs him not to kill the runt. The smallest piglet is saved. Fern names him Wilbur, and the pair love each other dearly. There comes a time, however, when Wilbur must be sold. Living on the Zuckermans' farm and separated from Fern, Wilbur is miserable. Just when he thinks things can't get any worse, he hears a friendly little voice say, "Salutations." The small voice from up above comes from Charlotte, the spider. The two become friends and live a happy existence within the barn (with occasional interludes involving Templeton: the clever, selfish rat) until Wilbur discovers that he will be killed for Christmas dinner. Wilbur panics, and Charlotte comes up with a plan. She creates a special interest for Wilbur by weaving "Some Pig" into her web. Wilbur's life is saved, and Charlotte continues to weave complimentary terms above Wilbur's pen. The day comes when Wilbur is entered into the county fair. Charlotte stays home to work on her egg sack. The competition is tough (against a pig named Uncle), but Wilbur wins first place. Wilbur finds himself in a truly safe and happy home, until his friend and savior, little Charlotte dies. Her spiders hatch and fly away in the wind, with the exception of three. Wilbur takes care of the little ones, always remembering the spider who loved him.
- Students may continue the story, writing about the adventures of one of Charlotte's spiderlings.
- Ask students to discuss the sacrifices that Charlotte made for Wilbur. Why would she do such a thing, and how did Wilbur repay her? Was this fair?
- Students might write a letter to Wilbur, giving him advice regarding loneliness. Ask them to think about what the author is saying about this issue. Do they agree? What are the alternatives?
- Compare the movie with the book using a Venn Diagram.
- Use this novel to discuss the farm yard ecosystem, and as a spring board into studying other ecosystems.
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