Every child should read Charlotte's Web, on their own or with a parent. Over at NPR, there's a great story by Melissa Block on the history of E.B. White's children's novel. Did you know that White specifically removed facial features from Garth Williams' illustrations of Charlotte? Or that he fought tooth-and-nail to keep the death of Charlotte in the animated Hanna-Barbera cartoon?

The article is a terrific read for anyone who's ever loved the talented spider.

[via Fuse #8]