Oh My Word with Katie
"Oh My Word with Katie" is the show where we hear from Christian writers, chat about classics and new releases for your TBR list, and marvel at all the ways God shows up in words and stories. Join our email list: https://mschristianliving.us4.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=339b6e33ab1f6a8ad0e44aa39&id=c6daf71a58
Oh My Word with Katie
Why Adults Should Reread 'Charlotte's Web' | With Dana VanderLugt
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'Reader's Digest Condensed' Show Notes
Katie welcomes Dana VanderLugt back for Part 2 of their conversation to discuss one of Dana's favorite classics: Charlotte's Web.
Together they explore why E.B. White's timeless children's novel continues to speak to readers of every age; how its themes of friendship, sacrifice, grace, and the power of words point beyond themselves; and why rereading beloved childhood books can deepen both our faith and our imagination.
Along the way, they discuss memorable characters, the beauty of the changing seasons, what makes great children's literature endure, and how God shows up in one small pig's remarkable story.
Unabridged Show Notes
In Part 2 of Katie's conversation with author Dana VanderLugt, the focus shifts from Dana's own novel to one of the books that has shaped her most deeply as both a reader and a writer: E.B. White's Charlotte's Web.
Dana shares why she believes the greatest children's books are never just for children and explains how rereading Charlotte's Web throughout different stages of life has continually revealed new layers of meaning. She also discusses studying the novel during her MFA program and what aspiring writers can learn from White's craftsmanship.
Together, Katie and Dana explore the novel's unforgettable characters, from Wilbur's vulnerability to Charlotte's quiet wisdom and Templeton's selfishness. They reflect on the remarkable way the story introduces children to grief, sacrifice, and hope without talking down to them.
The conversation also highlights the power of words throughout the novel — how Charlotte's carefully chosen words literally save Wilbur's life — and the biblical connections to grace, salvation, friendship, and speaking life into others. Dana shares why the changing seasons form one of the novel's most beautiful images and explains how the story continues to point her toward God's faithfulness.
The episode concludes with Dana encouraging adults to revisit the books they loved as children, explaining why those stories often become even richer with age and reminding readers that great children's literature has something to say to every generation.
PS: If you want to go deeper with Dana, join her and Katie LIVE at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 27, on Katie's personal Instagram (@kathleen139) for a discussion of Dana's book Enemies in the Orchard. (Also check out the previous episode of the podcast for Katie's spoiler-free interview with Dana about the book.)
In This Episode
Why Charlotte's Web still matters
- Why great children's books are written for adults too
- Returning to beloved stories at different stages of life
- What E.B. White teaches writers
Friendship, sacrifice, and grace
- Charlotte's extraordinary gift to Wilbur
- Receiving grace we can't earn
- Why Templeton remains such a memorable character
The power of words
- How words shape identity
- Speaking life into others
- Proverbs and "apples of gold"
Seasons and storytelling
- The beauty of life's changing seasons
- Why children need stories that tell the truth
- Finding hope without avoiding grief
Why adults should reread children's classics
- Discovering what you missed as a child
- Reading with fresh eyes
- Books that grow along with us
Books Mentioned
- Charlotte's Web — E.B. White
- Enemies in the Orchard — Dana VanderLugt
- The Annotated Charlotte's Web
- Why You Should Read Children's Books, Even Though You Are So Old and Wise — Katherine Rundell
- Impossible Creatures — Katherine Rundell
Who This Episode Is For
- Readers who loved Charlotte's Web as children
- Parents and grandparents reading aloud with kids
- Fans of classic children's literature
- Writers and storytellers
- Christians interested in how timeless stories reflect biblical truth
Enjoying Oh My Word with Katie?
- Would you consider leaving a rating and review on Apple Podcasts? Reviews help more readers discover thoughtful Christian conversations about books, faith, and the stories that shape us.
- Follow @ohmywordpod on Facebook and Instagram for episode updates, literary discussions, and book recommendations.
- Tune in LIVE at 7 p.m., August 27, for Katie's next book-club discussion, featuring Dana VanderLugt! They'll be talking about Dana's novel, Enemies in the Orchard, all on Katie's personal Instagram, @kathleen139.
A Question to Reflect On
Who has spoken words over your life that helped shape who you've become — and how might God be inviting you to offer that same kind of life-giving encouragement to someone else?