I finished reading reading aloud Charlotte’s Web this week, with mixed emotions. I have a dramatic scene (understatement) I do at the ending of a chapter book. I get upset and tell my wonderful fellow teacher:
“Heidi, I don’t like this. The book is almost over. I don’t want it to end. Ever. I want the story to keep going. I’m so sad.”
Heidi is ready with her jeopardy-quick response, cool as a cucumber:
“Jennie, I know you’re upset and sad. It’s okay. Our chapter book has to end. It was a really good book. Guess what? That means we get to start a new chapter book tomorrow! It will be wonderful.”
In this way, we validate how good our chapter book was, and open the door for a new one.
Reading aloud the last chapter of Charlotte’s Web was pretty powerful.
As time went on and the months and years came and went, he was never without friends. Fern did not come regularly to the barn anymore. She was growing up, and careful to avoid childish things, like sitting on a milk stool near a pigpen. But Charlotte’s children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, year after year, lived in the doorway. Each spring there were new little spiders hatching out to take the place of the old. Most of them sailed away, on their balloons. But always two or three stayed and set up housekeeping in the door-way.
Mr. Zuckerman took fine care of Wilbur all the rest of his days, and the pig was often visited by friends and admirers, for nobody ever forgot the year of his triumph and the miracle of the web. Life in the barn was very good- night and day, winter and summer, spring and fall, dull days and bright days. It was the best place to be, thought Wilbur, this warm delicious cellar, with the garrulous geese, the changing seasons, the heat of the sun, the passage of swallows, the nearness of rats, the sameness of sheep, the love of spiders, the smell of manure, and the glory of everything.
Wilbur never forgot Charlotte. Although he loved her children and grandchildren dearly, none of the new spiders ever quite took her place in his heart. She was in a class by herself. It is not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
THE END
Did you know it took E.B. White seventeen takes to record the last chapter? Seventeen. He was overcome with tears and emotion. You see, in the book he is Wilbur and his wife is Charlotte. My goodness!
The best book about E.B. White is Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White, by Melissa Sweet. It’s much more than a story; the book includes photos, manuscripts, artifacts, memorabilia, and much more. Highly recommended!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
Endings are always sad but they always lead to new beginnings.
Yes, very much so.
What a great way to approach the end of the book, Jennie. I’m sure you knitted a bond with the children. What’s next?
Yes, and yes! I’m reading My Father’s Dragon. Another classic. Do you know the book?
I do not. I looked it up, and it sounds interesting.
It’s very good, and a perfect chapter reading book. My favorite chapter reading book after Charlotte’s Web is The Story of Doctor Dolittle. Heidi’s is Mister Popper’s Penguins. Best to you, Dan.
Jennie is the most amazing inspired teacher!
She really is.
That’s so nice, thank you.
I just knew you would find a way to end a book and start afresh…x
You know me well, Carol. Thank you!
Excellent performance, teacher! And I’d add – “remember you can always reread favorite books!”
Thank you, Laura. At the end of the school year I post to parents our chapter books we have read. And I always add just what you said. 😀
I still feel that way about books when I finish them. They call that, in adult terms, a book hangover. If I really liked the book, I often have to wait a couple of days before I start a new one. I love how you and your assistant handle it.
I know exactly what you mean! I like the ‘book hangover’ term. Fortunately children are far better able to move on than we adults are. My fellow teacher and I have my reaction to the story ending down pat. She’s the best!
After Erri de Luca’s ‘God’s Mountain’ I couldn’t crack another book for six months.
Im going to have to read the books and now!! 😁
I’m so glad. Please let me know what you think. Best to you, FR.
That one, though, did need a sequel!
That’s an interesting thought, Jacqui.
No matter how many times I read about your chapter reading, it always feels like the first time. Wonderful.
Best wishes, Pete.
A wonderful story, Jennie. You have every right to be sad when it is over.
Thank you for saying that, John. Every year I’m sad when it’s over.
As your colleague advised, there is always next year.😊
Yes, and there’s always the next book.
True
a brilliant way to end and to bridge to the next book. a wonderful lesson in itself
Thank you, Beth. It works. Yes, it is a lesson in itself. You understand that best of all.
I can only imagine how hard it was for E.B. White to end this book.
I think of that often!
There are poems I have written which took me years to be able to perform without sobbing and sniffing. Powerful inner visions.
Some books are like that too – like Robert Munsch’s “Love You Forever.”
I often don’t want the book to end, but I love that thought about a new getting to start a new book tomorrow. That’s a great lesson.
It works! The children can feel sad about ending the book, and also excited about starting a new one.
Jennie, thank you for another wonderful post! This is a brilliant teaching technique!
Thank you, Charles!
I have yet to read Charlotte’s Web. This bumped it up my tbr list. And I love the way you and your fellow teacher tackle the ending of a book.
I’m so glad the book is in your TBR. You won’t be disappointed. Promise. Thank you for your lovely comment.
Oh, what a touching note about the last chapter! Incredible book and I love this post!
Thank you, Wynne!
That is how you “stick the landing,” Jennie. You elevated the whole book even as its pages were running out of words. Finished, but finished on the highest of notes!
Well said, Bruce. I love your ‘stick the landing’ analogy. That’s exactly how it happens. Thank you!
How come I never knew that Wilbur and Charlotte were E.B. White and his wife? What a startling fact to learn after all these years! Great way to wrap up one story and lead into the next. Always, always, always, leave them begging for more.
Isn’t that something? Yes, I found that a startling fact, too. Now, I think of E.B. White writing the book in a whole new way. Pete, you would LOVE the book Some Writer! It took me to a whole new level. And yes, you would love being a fly on the wall when Heidi and I do our ‘thing’ at the end of a chapter book.
Such a wonderful book, but – as one door closes, another opens.
Well said, Norah. Thank you!
Lovely and beautiful way you approached the book, Jennie. I too don’t like to keep a book down.
Thank you, Kamal! Your words are much appreciated.
My favorite book that my 4th grade teacher read… more than 50 years ago, and I am still fond of it.
I’m so glad to know that, and I’m not surprised. I dearly wish my elementary teachers read book to us. Have you read it again as an adult? You will be surprised at how much more is there. Many thanks!
You know it’s funny. I have bought the book, had to have it on my book shelf. Started to read it, but wasn’t getting into it. However, you just gave me an idea. I can see if they have the audio book, listen while I am doing a puzzle. That would be great.
That’s a great idea!
It goes to show that if readers don’t want a story to end, the author has done his/her/their job well.
Exactly! Thank you, Andrew.
You’re welcome.
A unique and valuable insight, Andrew!
Thanks.
You’re welcome.
I know well the sadness of seeing a book come to an end. Sometimes, I’ll stop reading to delay the ending by a few minutes.
I do that, too!
A kindred spirit!
Yes!
Great post! I’m a big fan of Melissa’s book and I love E. B. White’s audio recording of Charlotte’s Web.
Thank you, Marcia. I’m thrilled to know you’re a big fan of Melissa’s book. It is just wonderful. Actually, when I heard E.B. White’s recording, I did not like it. I told his grandniece that I don’t read the book in the same way at all. So, she came to my school to hear me read aloud Charlotte’s Web. 😀
You are always welcome dear Jennie ❤️🙏❤️🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome dear Jennie ❤️
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
Thank you, Kamal!
❤️❤️❤️
Thanks for the book recommendation, Jennie. I’ll check it out.
You’re welcome, Stevie.
This blog post brings tears to my eyes. Thank you, Jennie, for being you and sharing yourself with the rest of us so generously!
Awww… that’s so nice of you to say, Will. Thank you! It’s who I am and what I love to do.
I came across this post while visiting another blog where you’d left a comment, and I’m so glad I followed the trail. Your words inspired me to buy Charlotte’s Web as a special Christmas gift for my 4-year-old grandson, Oscar. He loves stories, though he’s still a bit young to read it himself. Our daughter will save it for when he’s ready to enjoy it on his own.
Years ago, I gave the same book to my granddaughter—she’s now 11—and it still sits proudly on her bookshelf. That memory, along with your post, nudged me to pick up Some Writer for myself as well.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts so beautifully. You’ve sparked a lovely ripple in our family.
Thank you for your wonderful comment! Our blogging community makes great connections, and I’m glad you followed the trail. I so enjoyed your story of buying Charlotte’s Web for Oscar for Christmas! And, knowing your granddaughter loved the book and has it proudly on her bookshelf makes me smile, big time.
I am over the moon that you will be reading Some Writer! My description pales in comparison to the book, which you will see. Please let me know what you think of the book.
I’m so glad I sparkled a lovely ripple in your family. Many thanks!
Charlotte’s Web, one of the best children’s chapter books there is. I just saved Some Writer on my library list and hope to read it in the new year. Thanks, Jennie.
Carla, I’m not the reader you are, but Some Writer was one of the best. It’s different, with lots of photos and memorabilia, which makes the book even better. I promise you will love it!