“All About the Book!” A Kid's Video Guide to Charlotte's Web

Adult host Tim Podell questions a panel of young people about E.B. White's 1952 classic children's tale Charlotte's Web in this entry from the “All About the Book!” series. Serving up a lighthearted CliffsNotes-esque primer, the program presents a synopsis by magician “The Great Charlini” before asking the ‘tween participants about their opinions of the book, including its characters, motivations (why was spider Charlotte going out of her way to help pig Wilbur?), and themes (including injustice). Also included are segments featuring real-life kids, info on spiders with a librarian, and a fleeting cameo by one of my favorite children's authors, Newbery Medal-winner Cynthia Voigt (who visits White's grave in Maine). Also newly available is “All About the Book!” A Kid's Video Guide to A Wrinkle in Time. Recommended. Aud: I, J, P. (J. Williams-Wood)