This is a coming-of-age story (a bildingsroman) which stars Wilbur (a pig), Charlotte (a spider), and Fern (the little girl who loves Wilbur).  There are a host of other animals and human characters, but they are secondary to the primary three.  Wilbur, through the barnyard chatter, learns that spring pigs are slaughtered for bacon by fall, and he becomes upset.  He has been saved before since he was the runt of the litter, and Fern is determined to continue saving him, as is Charlotte who writes words in her web to amaze the people and convince them Wilbur is worth keeping around.  Both Fern and Wilbur must deal with love and loss...Charlotte is dying and she uses her remaining strength to continue nurturing Wilbur in his last hours.  Wilbur does manage to stick around longer than most, and he is there to welcome Charlotte's children into the world and to tell them wonderful stories about their mother.

The friendship Wilbur forms with the other animals (even the rat) helps him better deal with Charlotte's death. 

This is a classic tale about the friendship between a pig, Wilbur, and a spider, Charlotte.  Charlotte is very clever, and she manages to save Wilbur from becoming dinner for the humans by weaving messages in her web about Wilbur, like "Some Pig!"  Wilbur becomes quite famous and is saved because of this friendship with Charlotte.

It is also the story of the relationship between Wilbur and Fern, the little girl who lives on the farm where Wilbur is born.  The story demonstrates how both Fern and Wilbur have to grow and mature and accept the loss and unhappiness that sometimes comes around in life.

Be sure to check the link below for more information, and give the book a thorough reading - I think you'll really enjoy it!