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Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web is a children's novel by American author E.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Charlotte's Web is a children's novel by American author E. B. White, first published in 1952 and illustrated by Garth Williams. The story, set on a farm, follows the friendship between Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, whose efforts to save Wilbur's life make the book a classic of children's literature. It is widely read in Canadian schools and libraries as part of children's literature, though the work itself is American in origin.

Plot

The novel centres on Wilbur, a runt pig who fears he will be slaughtered, and Charlotte, the spider who becomes his friend. Charlotte uses her web to display words that change how people view Wilbur and help preserve his life.

Publication and authorship

Charlotte's Web was written by E. B. White and published in 1952 by Harper & Brothers. It was illustrated by Garth Williams and later became one of White's best-known works.

Themes

The book explores friendship, mortality, sacrifice, and the value of life. Its farm setting and animal characters allow it to address serious ideas in a form accessible to children.

Adaptations

Charlotte's Web has been adapted several times, including a 1973 animated film, a 2006 live-action film, a stage musical, and a 2025 animated miniseries.

Key facts

  • Charlotte's Web is a children's novel by E. B. White published in 1952.
  • The story follows Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider, whose friendship saves Wilbur's life.
  • The book is considered a classic of American children's literature.
  • It has been adapted into films, a stage musical, and a miniseries.
  • The novel has been translated into multiple languages and sold widely around the world.
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Canadian context

Charlotte's Web is widely read in Canadian schools and libraries as part of children’s literature, though the work itself is American in origin.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote Charlotte's Web?
It was written by E. B. White.
When was Charlotte's Web first published?
It was first published on October 15, 1952.
Who illustrated Charlotte's Web?
The book was illustrated by Garth Williams.
What is Charlotte's Web about?
It follows a pig named Wilbur and a spider named Charlotte, whose friendship helps save Wilbur from being slaughtered.
What genre is Charlotte's Web?
It is usually classified as children's literature and fantasy.
Has Charlotte's Web been adapted for screen or stage?
Yes. It has been adapted into films, a stage musical, and a miniseries.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web
    Supports: Author, illustrator, publication date, publisher, and plot overview
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Charlottes-Web
    Supports: Book identification, publication year, and central story
  3. Open Library — https://openlibrary.org/books/OL1732780M/The_Annotated_Charlotte's_Web
    Supports: Publication date, author, illustrator, and plot summary
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web_(1973_film)
    Supports: 1973 film adaptation
  5. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web_(2006_film)
    Supports: 2006 film adaptation
  6. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web_(musical)
    Supports: Stage musical adaptation
  7. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlotte's_Web_(miniseries)
    Supports: 2025 animated miniseries adaptation