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Reviews
Charlotte's Web and Other Illustrated Classics by Garth Williams, E.B. White, Fred Marcellino
kberry513's review against another edition
4.0
Thoughts on Stuart Little
I remember this as being an amazing story, so I was a liiiiiittle disappointed when I reread it. First of all, I am perfectly willing to suspend my disbelief and accept that a mouse was born to human parents and that no one finds it THAT odd - unusual, yes, but not "this must be witchcraft, burn the witch" crazy. But then out of nowhere, when he's travelling he meets Harriett, who is a normal human that is only two inches tall. What?? Then why is Stuart a mouse?! Getting beyond that, I figure "Okay, I'll root for Stuart on his date with Harriett" and then Stuart freaks out because things don't go to plan and Harriett essentially just leaves. Then there's the ending. It just ends. What was that about?! At this point, I'd have to give this a two star rating.
Thoughts on Charlotte's Web
I was concerned after having reread Stuart Little that I was mistaken in my childhood love of Charlotte's Web, but luckily it is as good as I remembered. Aside from Fern dropping Wilbur like a hot potato for a boy at the Fair, that is, and the occasional sexist comment which I can overlook as a product of the time it was written. I love Wilbur and Charlotte's friendship. This particular story deserves about a 4.5/5 star rating.
Thoughts on Trumpet of the Swan
I had thought I had read this as a kid, but I think I was wrong. I really enjoyed this story; I think I may like it even more than Charlotte's Web...well, maybe just equally as much. Louis is a likable hero and his adventures are very fun. The only complaint I have (if you can even call it that) is that Serena has zero personality. Louis falls in love with her and tries to communicate via writing on a slate, but since she can't read she shuns him because she feels like Trumpeter swans have to communicate. Once he has a trumpet, she's all about him. But apart from those two things, she literally does nothing. I don't even think she has lines. At least Louis' mother speaks and keeps his father in check. I don't know that I would have noticed this as a kid and this sort of subtle sexism is very prevalent in fairy tales as well as EB White's other work, which I accept as a product of the time it was written. It didn't even really detract from my enjoyment, but it is something I've become more aware of lately. I'd give this a 4.5/5 stars.
I remember this as being an amazing story, so I was a liiiiiittle disappointed when I reread it. First of all, I am perfectly willing to suspend my disbelief and accept that a mouse was born to human parents and that no one finds it THAT odd - unusual, yes, but not "this must be witchcraft, burn the witch" crazy. But then out of nowhere, when he's travelling he meets Harriett, who is a normal human that is only two inches tall. What?? Then why is Stuart a mouse?! Getting beyond that, I figure "Okay, I'll root for Stuart on his date with Harriett" and then Stuart freaks out because things don't go to plan and Harriett essentially just leaves. Then there's the ending. It just ends. What was that about?! At this point, I'd have to give this a two star rating.
Thoughts on Charlotte's Web
I was concerned after having reread Stuart Little that I was mistaken in my childhood love of Charlotte's Web, but luckily it is as good as I remembered. Aside from Fern dropping Wilbur like a hot potato for a boy at the Fair, that is, and the occasional sexist comment which I can overlook as a product of the time it was written. I love Wilbur and Charlotte's friendship. This particular story deserves about a 4.5/5 star rating.
Thoughts on Trumpet of the Swan
I had thought I had read this as a kid, but I think I was wrong. I really enjoyed this story; I think I may like it even more than Charlotte's Web...well, maybe just equally as much. Louis is a likable hero and his adventures are very fun. The only complaint I have (if you can even call it that) is that Serena has zero personality. Louis falls in love with her and tries to communicate via writing on a slate, but since she can't read she shuns him because she feels like Trumpeter swans have to communicate. Once he has a trumpet, she's all about him. But apart from those two things, she literally does nothing. I don't even think she has lines. At least Louis' mother speaks and keeps his father in check. I don't know that I would have noticed this as a kid and this sort of subtle sexism is very prevalent in fairy tales as well as EB White's other work, which I accept as a product of the time it was written. It didn't even really detract from my enjoyment, but it is something I've become more aware of lately. I'd give this a 4.5/5 stars.
dbutterfield's review against another edition
5.0
I only actually read Charlotte's Web but whatever. The point is that I first read about Wilbur and Charlotte when I was 5 years old and instantly fell in love. Almost 10 years later, the duo still holds a special place in my heart that will remain there forever.
locke_reads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
wandering_recorder's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A lovely collection of popular stories by E.B. White that follow its various animals protagonists on wonderful adventures into the world and through improbable journeys. Touching on subjects such as the inevitability and beauty of life, the transformative power of friendship, and the specialness of being different from others despite the hardships that come with it, White makes these stories not only enjoyable but imparts great wisdom upon its readers. With all this in mind, it's no wonder how these stories won their classical status and will continue to entertain readers for generations to come.
litpages3's review against another edition
5.0
It's a story many of us have read, it may have been when we were young, older or with our own children. It's funny and sad, fun and you learning some thing you may have never known about animals.
As much as there was of this book that I do remember, there were parts that I completely forgot about. One particular part I enjoyed was Wilbur (pig) attempting to make a web. It's something I'm glad I reread and enjoy every bit of it.
As much as there was of this book that I do remember, there were parts that I completely forgot about. One particular part I enjoyed was Wilbur (pig) attempting to make a web. It's something I'm glad I reread and enjoy every bit of it.
kasiareads's review against another edition
5.0
I wrote separate reviews on Stuart little and charlottes web.
However, I just finished the trumpet of the swan and it was by far my favourite of the three. This story was just absolutely amazing in all the ways possible and I am so very happy I read it! ❤️❤️
However, I just finished the trumpet of the swan and it was by far my favourite of the three. This story was just absolutely amazing in all the ways possible and I am so very happy I read it! ❤️❤️
penguininabluebox's review against another edition
4.0
Stuart Little: 4*
Charlotte's Web: 4*
The Trumpet of the Swan: 4*
Charlotte's Web: 4*
The Trumpet of the Swan: 4*
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