Wilbur was born during the spring season. Papa Arable wants to murder him since he is the runt of the litter. Fern saves Wilbur's life and promises to look after him herself. He is, after all, a lovely little piggy. When Fern goes into labor, she calls upon her friend Mrs. Bird for help. Mrs. Bird flies home with Fern in her beak and they both recover in her nest. When Fern can walk again, she takes Wilbur to see Mrs. Bird, who loves him like her own son. Then Mrs. Bird flies off to visit her friends in another part of the forest. After she leaves, a terrible thing happens: A farmer catches hold of Wilbur and plans to sell him as meat. But just at this moment Mr. Bird returns with some other birds in his beak. They have seen Wilbur and they want to buy him too! The only one who doesn't want to buy Wilbur is Papa Arable. He tries to kill him but fails. Then Mr. Bird sells him instead to Fern and she treats him like her own child. This story shows that it isn't necessary to be big or strong to be useful or happy. If someone loves you, you can trust them to take good care of you.