Share a Puffin Book – Charlotte’s Web

This summer Puffin are bringing a series of timeless and unforgettable stories to life for a new generation of readers to discover as A Puffin Book – including Goodnight Mister Tom, Charlotte’s Web, Watership Down and Tarka the Otter. The new editions feature beautiful new cover designs, including iconic cover images and new artwork, as well as additional content, such as material unearthed from the Puffin archive, activities inspired by the books (such as make your own origami Gobbolino the Witch’s Cat!), background information on the story, as well as quizzes, author profiles, fun facts and much more.

As part of this, Puffin are asking readers to choose their favourite story from twenty titles. It was not hard to pick my favourite. For me, it had to be Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

I think I was about ten when I first read Charlotte’s Web. This book had such a large place in my childhood and it’s one that I’ve picked up to re-read many times. Recently, on hearing that my husband had never read this book, I insisted he did as for me, it’s one that needs to be read whatever age you are.

The characters are so relatable (even now as I read it as an adult.) Fern is the motherly figure, Charlotte is the best friend every person wishes they had. The animals were like a family. They are so likeable (even Templeton is redeemable,) and I think it was this element that pulled me into the story.

I remember being so happy as Charlotte helps Wilbur, sharing the when the words appear in the web and then being left totally devastated when Charlotte has to leave. The ending deals with loss in such a delicate way. It’s so bittersweet and no matter how many times I read it, this book always has me laughing and crying. It’s heartwarming and heartbreaking all at the same time.

The illustrations are beautiful. The story is timeless to me. It’s just a wonderful tale of friendship, loyalty, bravery and overcoming life’s obstacles. This book will always be one of my favourites and I will read Charlotte’s Web to my children if that time ever comes.

 Search for #ShareAPuffinBook to read more about the new editions from Puffin.

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.