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10 Reasons to Build a Child’s E. B. White Library
I think, for every one of us, there is a special place in our hearts for the books of E. B. White. The scratch and scrawl of the illustrations. The playful language. The proud, funny, thoughtful characters—some two-legged, but most existing in the animal world. We’ve all wondered about our non-human friends, our pets, the animals at zoos and farms. What are they thinking? What would they say if they could talk? What stories would the barn walls tell?
In Charlotte’s Web, The Trumpet of the Swan, and Stuart Little, White tells us those stories and, through them, reminds us that even the littlest of the littles have something amazing to offer our world. Here are ten reasons every child’s library needs these three classics (if not only because, when kids hit high school and college, they’ll probably be less skeptical when they’re assigned Strunk and White’s The Elements of Style).
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1. The language.
Whether it’s Charlotte’s helpful definitions, Stuart Little’s sophisticated vocabulary, or the excessive verbiage of cob in The Trumpet of the Swan, White’s books also act as clever little dictionaries. Plus, we all need more words like flibberty-gibbert, whippoorwill, and will o’ the wisp in our lives.
2. They help us understand the usefulness of spiders.
Spiders are misunderstood creatures. Like Charlotte, they’re actually clever, loyal, patient, and they can weave a web of words in order to save their best friend’s lives.
3. They remind us to take notice.
Human characters in White’s world pay attention to the little things. Fern saves Wilbur, the runt of the litter. Stuart Little’s parents immediately love and embrace the barely two-inch mouse that comes into their family without question. And Sam Beaver sees the trumpeter swans on the lakes of Canada, taking special notice of Louis, the mute swan.
4. They emphasize that size doesn’t matter.
As Stuart tells us: being successful has nothing to do with size but everything to do with “temperament and ability.” Wilbur’s loyalty and curiosity, Stuart’s intelligence and worldliness, and Louis’ tenacity and resolve, all help these misfits not only survive in the world, but thrive.
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5. For the facts about animals and nature.
Yes, White’s animal characters can talk, write, read, play the trumpet, sail a boat, drive a car, or help get a piano key unstuck, but they also teach us fascinating and true tidbits about the natural world and animal behavior, particular when it comes to the hatching of spider and swan eggs.
6. Because the way to a rat’s heart is through food.
Having lived in New York City for ten years, I can not emphasize what a valuable lesson this is. Unless you want an infestation of Templetons…well…take heart.
7. They demonstrate the importance of writing and reading.
In Charlotte’s Web, Charlotte’s reading and writing skills outsmart the farm owners and save Wilbur’s life. In The Trumpet of the Swan, a feathered Louis sits in a classroom to learn how to read and write and, as a result, sets off on the adventure of a lifetime. Armed with chalk and a slate board, he is able to clear his family name and find love, music, acceptance, and a way to communicate without a voice.
8. It shows what can happen if you get out of bed early.
If Fern had not risen early enough she would have never met or saved Wilbur and we would never have been privy to this beautiful tale.
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9. They teach resilience.
Whether we’re following the journey of a famed pig, a swan who can play trumpet like Louis Armstrong, or a handy and well-spoken mouse, all of White’s main characters are fearless and determined, especially when others expect little of them.
10. The books value friendship above all.
In all three stories, it’s the love, acceptance, and loyalty of family and friends that drive Wilbur, Stuart, and Louis to do great things and pay their fortunes forward. As White writes in Charlotte’s Web, “It’s not often that someone comes along who is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.” I can’t help but think E. B. White must have been both too.
What is your favorite novel by E. B. White?