Chapter 19: The Egg Sac

Charlotte told Wilbur that her egg sac was the finest thing she had ever created - her magnum opus. Why do you think she chose that over all of the beautiful webs she created (even with words printed in them)? Do you agree that this was her magnum opus? What does that tell us about Charlotte's character?

Chapters 17 & 18

The family finally arrived at the fair, and everyone is buzzing with excitement! Templeton loves the food, Fern and Avery enjoy the freedom of riding anything they want, even Lurvy finds pleasure in playing games on the midway. Have you ever been to a fair? If so, what's your favorite part? What do you imagine would be the most fun?

Chapter 16: Off to the Fair

Charlotte decides to go to the fair with Wilbur despite preparing to lay her eggs, and Templeton is coming along as well after some persuasion from the old sheep. Would that have convinced you to go?

Chapters 13-15

Fern's mother is very concerned about the amount of time Fern spends with animals along with the fact that she claims the animals talk to her and tell stories. She seems shocked but slightly comforted after visiting Dr. Dorian when he suggests that maybe Fern is right. So what do you think? Do animals talk? Can we just not hear (or understand) them because we don't take the time to listen?

Chapters 10-12

Spider webs are pretty impressive to start with, especially when the dew clings to them in the early morning, but can you imagine what it would have looked like to see a message in the web? Charlotte must be pretty smart, after all! Why do you think the people were so quick to believe that Wilbur actually was "Some Pig"? Do you believe he is "Terrific"? What message would you put in the web if you were Charlotte?

Chapter 9

Did anyone else find it funny that Wilbur tried to spin a web? I'm sure Charlotte, Templeton, and Fern were amused to watch him try! Why do you think he wanted to spin a web? Have you ever wanted to do something that was impossible or maybe just seemed impossible?

Chapters 7 & 8

As much as I love bacon, ham, and all things pork, chapter 7 makes me sad. We're just getting to know Wilbur, and he's pretty like-able. I know some people feel so strongly about animals that they refuse to eat meat, but there's also the argument that animals are meant to be eaten. How do you feel? Is it just hard here because Wilbur is more like a pet? Is there a difference?

Chapters 5 & 6

We finally met Charlotte! I don't know about you, but spiders are not one of my favorite animals. Charlotte isn't so bad, although I don't have to see her in person. Wilbur was excited to make a friend, but he struggled with the fact that his new friend was a bloodsucker. However, Charlotte pointed out that spiders help control the bug population.

So, how do you feel about spiders and why? And how is it that the farm animals seem to accept Charlotte but keep their distance from Templeton the rat? Why are rats considered so much worse?

Chapter 4: Loneliness

I've been reading these chapters at home with my 4 year old son, and he told me that this chapter made him sad (until the end). He sympathized with Wilbur in feeling lonely and not having anyone to play with him. Tell me about a time when you felt lonely.

PS: He can't wait to meet Wilbur's new friend tonight! Any guesses on who it might be?

Chapter 3: The Escape

I personally love this chapter because I can just imagine everyone running around like crazy trying to catch this little pig. It makes me laugh to picture it in my head! I also think this is probably the most fun scene for the actors in the movie (by the way, did you know that Charlotte's Web is now on Netflix?). What do you think?

But to our real discussion...the whole reason Wilbur broke out of his pen in the first place was because he was bored. But after his little adventure, he said, "If this is what it's like to be free...I believe I'd rather be penned up in my own yard." (p. 19). Why do you think he changed his mind? Was that surprising to you that he preferred being penned up over running free?

Chapters 1 & 2

We hope you enjoyed reading the first two chapters. What do you think of the relationship between Fern and Wilbur? Is it weird that she saved a runt, or very small, pig? Do you think she's a hero?

Comment below with your thoughts on the chapters!