Charlotte’s Web was published in 1952 during the Modern Age of children's books. The books of this age were published in the 20th Century through today. Children's books were being published for both entertainment and learning.  Publishers started to create children’s publishing departments during this era. In the past the books went through the same process as adult books.  There was a more progressive view of childhood.  Children’s books were illustrated better both because of technology and artists trying out new illustration techniques.  The publishers are now looking for books of good quality.  The establishment of children’s book awards helps to set the standards for good quality children’s books.  Books being published are now meeting the needs of different age groups including babies and teens (Tomeo, 2013). 

 

World War II had ended just seven years earlier in 1945; when E.B. White had published his first Children's book Stuart Little.  In 1952 the United States reviled the hydrogen bomb and Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of the United Kingdom.  Just three years after the publishing of Charlotte's Web a woman named Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat leading to the famous bus boycott. (Chrisp, Fullman, & Kennedy, 2013).