"This is a story of the barn. I wrote it for children and to amuse
myself. It is called 'Charlotte's Web' and I will read it to you."
With that simple introduction, author E.B. White began the 1970
recording of his enduring, universally beloved tale, his 1953
children's classic about a little girl, a humble pig, a soulful
spider and abiding friendship, tenderly wrapped in nature's
poignant ebb and flow. This captivating re-release of that
recording is found treasure, vividly alive and fresh as a country
breeze. Once heard, it's difficult to imagine Wilbur, Charlotte,
Fern, cranky rat Templeton, and all the other quirky animal and
human inhabitants of Zuckerman's farm and environs with any other
voice but White's. Warmed by the accents of his native New York and
his lifelong love affair with rural Maine, White's performance is
as humorous as it is touching, a gentle observation of barnyard
miracles, selfless sacrifice and a young girl's first steps away
from childhood.The 3 hour plus unabridged recording ends with an
eloquent afterward, written by children's author and scholar Peter
E. Neumeyer and read by George Plimpton. It's a fascinating
portrait of White's life and work, from his childhood love of
nature and words, to his success as one of The New Yorker's most
respected essayists, as well as his landmark contributions to
children's literature. For more details on the Parents' Choice
Foundation, please visit www.parents-choice.org