I adored this book when I was a child of 7 or 8, and I remember crying horribly at the ending. More than a few *ahem* decades later, I still find the story just as touching and wonderful. It is a beautiful story of friendship and love. I very much appreciate White's tendency to mix in more complicated words, but to always allow Charlotte to provide a definition that not only helps Wilbur, but also helps the young reader. White additionally does not talk down to his young readers. The narrative is bright and complete, with vivid descriptions and inclusion of the realities of life. Charlotte's Web remains one of my favorite books of all time. It will always be near and dear to my heart as one of the first "chapter books" I read on my own.