Publication Date: October 15, 1952
ISBN: 9780062658753
Genre: Fiction/Fantasy
Interest Level: 2-7
Text Level: 3-5, 6-8
Narrative Annotation: After Fern saves Wilbur, a pig, from being killed by her father, the two inseparable, until Wilbur becomes too big, and is transferred to the farm of Fern’s uncle. Wilbur soon begins a companionship with Charlotte, the spider who lives in the corner of the barn, and throughout the duration of their friendship, Charlotte saves Wilbur’s life.
Selected Purpose: Because the setting of the text takes place in a rural area, Charlotte’s Web could be used with students that live in urban settings to teach them about farm life. Using a venn diagram, the students could compare and contrast their chores to the chores of Fern. In addition, throughout the book, Charlotte uses advanced vocabulary such as “salutations” or “humble” that children may be unfamiliar with. In order to keep these words in the students’ memories, they could be assigned various activities to help them remember these terms, such as crossword puzzles, or writing prompts, in which they are required to use one of Charlotte’s words.
Illustrations: Although the book is a novel, the illustrations in Charlotte’s Web help to bring the text. The pictures are simple, and done in black and white, however, they successfully showcase the emotions of the characters, and also to assist the reader in visualizing the web creations of Charlotte. The illustrations may also be comforting to younger readers who are making the transition to picture-less books. 

In the story, Pancho takes only a backpack with him when he is traveling north. After reading the book, students will be given a picture of a backpack, and like Pancho, the students will pick only 5 items they would bring with them if they were immigrating to a new country.

Illustrations:
The illustrations in Duncan Tonatiuh's books are inspired by Mayan art. The Mayans were one of the many indigenous groups that lived in Mexico before the arrival of Columbus. As a result, Tonatiuh's illustrations allow for Mexican readers to form an appreciation for the illustrations, as they relate to their culture. Because many individuals are unfamiliar with this style of art, readers can also be introduced to Mayan artwork by reading this book, and many of Tonatiuh's other books, which also include this style of art. In addition, each illustration in the book showcases a different aspect of Mexican culture. For example, in one of the pictures, Mamá is preparing the food for a fiesta, and in the picture, Tonatiuh makes sure to include examples of typical Mexican food, such as homemade tortillas, mole, rice, and beans. Once again, this allows for Mexican readers to easily connect with the illustrations, and for other readers to be introduced to different parts of the Mexican culture.

Selective Purpose: In an activity from Mark Warner, students can practice writing their own letter to Farmer Brown, from the point of view of the cows, to explain why they are frustrated with him. Teachers can also incorporate math into this literature lesson! In the story, the cows ask Farmer Brown for electric blankets, and in exchange, the cows will give up their typewriter. Using another activity created by Mark Warner, each student can research the price of an electric blanket. After finding the price of electric blankets, students may then work out the cost of buying more than one blanket for both the cows and the chickens.
Illustrations: Click Clack Moo is a very humorous book. Because of this, Betsy Lewin, the illustrator of the book, creates humorous illustrations to accompany the text. For example, in one of the illustrations, a group of angry-looking chickens is shown holding a sheet of paper, proclaiming that they will no longer be laying eggs, and that the cows will no longer be providing milk. The illustrations in the book are especially humorous because they provide the animals with human characteristics.