Last week I noticed a shop window display of banned books.
I was very surprised to see included “Charlotte’s Web,” a childhood favorite.
I promptly re-read it. The story is even more delightful than I remembered.
Wilbur, the runt of a porcine litter, is about to be dispatched by the farmer when his daughter convinces him to spare the piglet’s life. She successfully nurtures the piglet and, when old enough, he is moved to a nearby barnyard.
Lonely in a new place, Wilbur is befriended by Charlotte, a spider, and after a time, finds many other farm friends.
When the terrifying news is revealed that Wilbur will likely become Christmas dinner in a few months, Charlotte resolves to save her friend.
She carefully weaves a new web announcing “SOME PIG.”
The farmers are astounded and count this as a miracle, although it is noted that that any web is something of a miracle.
The minister is consulted, offering reassurance that this is indeed a remarkable occurrence.
All are convinced that this pig is so special that he will live out his years with nothing but the cleanest straw and good food.
Into all this joy and celebration enters the reality that Charlotte is dying.
She has laid her eggs, and the next spring they hatch and grow and the cycle is continued.
This is a story of kindness, loyalty, friendship and growing up.
I would place this book on every child’s reading list as these lessons are timeless and so needed today.
Elizabeth Christian
Port Angeles