Joy, mingled with wistfulness, is the charm of Michael Sims's splendid The Story of Charlotte's Web ... A fine stylist, Mr. Sims portrays these scenes with a beauty and an economy of language that would make the co-author of The Elements of Style proud ... Not only an engaging account of White's rise to literary prominence, through the New Yorker, but also his shyness, his awkwardness in love, his devotion to his wife, Katharine, and something else, something hard to identify but ever-present in the book, like the chirping of birds high in the trees at evening

Wall Street Journal

The gentle, loving book White deserves ... There is so much to celebrate in Sims's book. His own descriptions of nature are evocative and subtle, and he probes at White's psyche without raking him over the coals. Fans of the New Yorker's heyday will find much to enjoy ... White fans will savour this, as will anyone wondering how an author is made, and how a book comes to life

Scotsman

Sims gives White and his story a bright new light ... Beautifully written and researched, the book is well worth anyone's time, not just those already acquainted with Charlotte's Web and its author ... [I] recommend this book without reservations

Huffington Post

Compelling ... A wealth of colourful information ... With this well-focused overview, Sims illuminates White's complicated creative life and the events that led to a timeless tale with stand for generations to come as testimony to his passion for nature

Sunday Herald

Sim's valuable study is insightful and delightful

The Times

For anyone who wants to know the full story behind one of the most loved children's books of all time, it is a riveting read

Mail on Sunday