Charlotte's Web was originally read to me as a young child in class by a wonderful teacher. I don't remember any of us being traumatized by Charlotte's death as we were all so invested in the story and at that point wanted to know how her children were doing. This was in the 60's and Vietnam was raging so some of the children were already affected by a parent's loss. Years later one of my nieces had to read Charlotte's Web for school. When she found out I loved the book she actually sat and read to me for quite a while. It is a sweet memory. I will definitely be buying Charlotte's Web to read to my great grandson.