This is a post from many years ago. After writing about reading-aloud Charlotte’s Web, I wanted to share much more about this wonderful book – specifically E.B. White and my personal connection.
I read aloud every day in my classroom, and weekly at the library. Picture books are a mainstay, yet reading aloud chapter books can move the world. Are you surprised? Don’t be. Thirty years of reading Charlotte’s Web is proof, my proof. Every year former students return to be a guest reader. I don’t invite them, they want to come. Their parents pull me aside to tell me their child has become a voracious reader. Many return as high schoolers to volunteer in my class.
If I go back to when they were preschoolers in my class, glued to chapter reading, their favorite book every year was Charlotte’s Web. At the end of each school year we vote on our favorite chapter book, and the winner is always Charlotte’s Web. Always.
My public library hosted a special event, E.B. White’s grand niece speaking about her beloved grand uncle. The librarian was beside herself to tell me. She knew that I would desperately want be there. “Jennie, she has his typewriter. She’s bringing it. And do you know that she calls him Andy? That’s E.B. White’s nickname.”
Yes, I know. I read Some Writer by Melissa Swift. He’s Andy. If you want to know everything about E.B. White, it is the book. Far from a typical biography, it tells the reader as much about the books he wrote as it does about his life. It is terrific. Charlotte the spider would applaud that word.
I was out of town and unable to attend the event. To say that I was devastated is an understatement. Perhaps E.B. White’s grand niece would see the library poster on their bulletin board in the entrance of the children’s room. Gee
, no surprise here that the book I am reading on the display is Charlotte’s Web.
A week later, after the big event, the librarian said, “Jennie, E.B. White’s grand niece (Lindsay) would like to meet you. She knows about you, and has heard about how you read aloud Charlotte’s Web.” Well, that’s about the best invitation I ever had. And so, with a note to me that was addressed, “Salutations, Jennie!”, I was invited to her farm for a visit!
Lindsay’s grandfather was E.B. (Andy) White’s brother, Albert. He was the keeper of the letters and memorabilia (most went to Cornell University). He cared. Lindsay inherited her grandfather’s genes, and also much of what he kept. Albert was one of six children. His brother, Andy, was the youngest. Lindsay has the same look and expression as her grandfather in this photo (second from the right, bottom row.). Andy is the baby.
And there I was, standing in a room filled with E.B. White memorabilia. And, with E.B. White’s grand niece. Humbling and exciting. Words escaped me. I felt like Wilbur.
First, there was the typewriter, an Underwood, upon which Andy wrote his books. I don’t know about you, but seeing and touching that typewriter, something real and dear, was a piece of heaven for me.
Alongside is Lindsay’s first edition of Charlotte’s Web, signed to her: “To Lindsay with love from her great uncle Andy. E.B. White.”
Perhaps this plethora of photos and articles gives you a clue as to the volume of fascinating artifacts over many decades, from the cover of The New Yorker magazine where he worked much of his life, long before he wrote children’s books, to letters and family photos. Look closely at the photo of Andy and his wife, Katherine. She was the love of his life. I knew that from reading the book.
“She was a strong woman.” said Lindsay. “She was older than he was, eleven years older. He adored her. His mother was a strong woman, too. She was much older when Andy was born.”
We talked a great deal about Charlotte’s Web. “Would you like to hear a recording of Andy reading the book?” Lindsay asked. “Of course!” I said. As we listened to the opening of the book, I found myself whispering the words I knew so well, along with Andy. Yet, I was surprised to hear how he read the story.
”I don’t read aloud the words like that at all. His voice is calm and steady. Mine is emotional.” And so I recited a few sentences aloud. Lindsay smiled.
Then she said, “Do you know it took him seventeen takes to read the final chapter, The Last Day? Seventeen. He couldn’t stop crying. You see, in Charlotte’s Web Wilbur was actually Andy, and Charlotte was his wife Katherine. He was devoted to her and adored her. She was his best friend, as Charlotte was to Wilbur. Reading that chapter aloud brought back all the memories of his wife.”
I did not know that. It makes perfect sense. E.B. White is Wilbur the pig, and his beloved wife Katherine is Charlotte the spider.
I leave you with two of my favorite photos, the boathouse and the rope swing at the house in Maine. Salutations!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
How very special to have met EB White’s great niece and touch his typewriter. I felt the same when I touched the small table Jane Austen wrote many of her novels on. It’s a connection to a well-loved writer that is difficult to explain. But I know the feeling. ❤️
Yes! We are both very lucky to have had favorite author experiences. I remember when you touched Jane Austen’s table. You know the feeling! 💕
So glad you didn’t get to miss out meeting his great niece!
Me, too! Thank you, FR.
What an incredible meeting. Thanks for sharing.
Indeed it was. Many thanks, VJ.
You are welcome
I am so glad his niece took the time to share this experience with you, Jennie. I’m sure you, in turn, work that experience into your chapter reading of Charlotte’s Web. Ultimately the children in your classroom are the real winners.
Thank you, Dan. It was quite an experience, and I was over the moon. I think there must have been moon dust or fairy dust that
sprinkled over me, and makes reading Charlotte’s Web even more meaningful.
Wonderful experience, Jennie. A favorite story of mine, as well. I may reread it for my own pleasure. Are you reading it to your class, now?
Thank you, Steve. It’s a book that is just as wonderful reading every year as it was the first time. I hope you reread it! I just finished the book with my class last week, and we’re on to the next chapter reading book.
I can feel your sheer joy at this meeting, and the chance to see all the wonderful memorabilia, Jennie. It is infectious!
Best wishes, Pete.
I’m glad you can feel this, Pete. It was wonderful! Infectious is a good thing. 😀
How exciting that you didn’t miss seeing her after all, and it was even more special being at her farm!
I got a bit choked up reading about the last chapter. I didn’t know those characters were based on him and his wife.
I’m with srbottch. I need to pull out my copy and reread it.
Deborah, it was so special being at her farm. What a great day! I get choked up at the last chapter, too. I had no idea it took her Uncle Andy 17 takes to read it aloud. Most importantly, knowing he was Wilbur and his wife was Charlotte was enormous for me. I hope you and Steve reread the book.
What a great experience, Jennie. And what an honor to have known of your love and spreading love of the book.
Yes indeed! Thank you, Don.
brilliant post, Jennie. it’s clear to the kids how much this book and the author mean to you. how wonderful you had a chance to have that experience and how lovely that you share it.
Thank you, Beth. It was one of my best experiences. Reading the book to children every year is a great joy.
It’s hard to believe the EB White who wrote Charlotte’s Web also wrote Elements of Style. The man was–and still is–amazing.
And, “Return to the Lake”! A stunning writer.
Yes!
Yes, it really is hard to believe, and he certainly was.
Very nice post Jennie. Thanks for sharing 🙏😊🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
You are always welcome Jennie 😊
Great post! Charlotte’s Web is one of my top favorite childhood reads.
Thank you!
What an amazing and wonderful story Jennie.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Cindy!
Wow, Jennie. How special to be able to see and hear and touch so much of E.B. White’s life. Thanks for sharing this moving description of your trip to the farm.
It was one of my best experiences, John. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
😊
That typewriter is a real piece of history. One can’t help imagine E.B. White having a great time creating a wonderful story like Charlotte’s Web.
One week out from our author festival, Jennie. I’m excited to be near the finish line. Now, if our foggy weather will cooperate. It would be a shame if some of our authors are unable to get here. Only two pulled out, and we were able to replace one in time. Can you imagine all the children (60 schools) who will decide they want to become writers and illustrators after seeing the presentations?
It really is! What a day that was for me. I’m excited for your author festival. This year is a biggie. Fingers crossed all the authors can make it. Those children will remember the event forever. So inspiring!
Great post Jennie. As we’ve chatted in the past, great story behind the story.
Thank you, Brian. Yes, the backstory is often an incredible story in itself.
This post gives me a good sense of E.B. White the man, someone I wish I could have known.
The book, Some Writer, was what really gave me a sense of E.B. White. It’s an easy, engaging read with terrific photos and illustrations, such as his original handwritten ‘chicken scratch’ manuscripts. Then, seeing the artifacts at her farm was the icing on the cake.
Thank you for the book recommendation. I’ve put it on my reading list.
I’m very glad!
What a wonderful post. I love it when history, family, and true settings bring alive our favorite authors. And you even got to swing on his rope swing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this, Marcia. Like you, I love when all the elements come together!
Hi Jennie, thank you for this wonderful post!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Charles!
Amazing.
Thank you.
Wow, what a great experience, Jennie. To hear him read his own words would have been amazing. I had no idea that he was Wilbur and his wife, Charlotte, but it makes sense. That must have been very emotional.
It was very emotional, Carla. Lucky me! Yes, knowing he was Wilbur and she was Charlotte is something I will never forget. It does make perfect sense. The book, Some Writer, gives a great history of E.B. White, with so many photos and copies of his manuscripts. It’s such a great book!
I will have to see if I can find a copy.
😀
Hi Jennie, this is a lovely pot. I am very happy for you that you met Andy’s granddaughter and that she cares.
Thank you, Robbie. She is the keeper of most of his memorabilia. Thank goodness she cares. He donated so many things to his college, Cornell University. Most of Garth Williams’ illustrations are at Cornell, which I find sad. I wish they were in museums for people to see.
💗💚
What an amazing experience Jennie and how wonderful to go behind the scenes of the book to discover those connections… a lovely post ♥♥
Yes, indeed. It was one of my best experiences. Thank you, Sally. 💕
Totally cool, Jennie. What an amazing experience and honor. I’ve mentioned it before, but this book had a profound impact on me. I’m so glad it’s being read to new generations. It’s timeless.
Thank you, Diana. It was one of my greatest experiences. I felt humbled. Yes, this book has had a profound impact on both of us. It is timeless, and I will always keep it going.
❤
An amazing experience Jennie. ❤
Yes, it was! 😀 Thank you, Debby.
Hugs xx
😍
What an impressive moment of remembrance. Children will never forget such moments. xx Michael
I certainly hope so. Many thanks, Michael!