The Giving Tree is a heartwarming story about a boy and a tree that he is close to throughout the stages in his life. The boy grows up taking everything the tree can give, from apples to wood, until the tree is left as just a stump. Despite the boy's neglect, the tree continues to provide for him, showcasing themes of friendship, generosity, and sacrifice. The simple black and white illustrations complement the powerful message of the book, emphasizing the bond between the boy and the tree as they both age.
The book teaches important lessons about sharing, caring, and appreciating the sacrifices others make for us. It highlights the evolution of the relationship between the boy and the tree, from playful childhood interactions to the boy's dependency on the tree's resources as he grows older. The story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of selflessness and the value of giving without expecting anything in return.
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From The Publisher:
From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans.
"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.
The Giving Tree is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers.
Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit plus Runny Babbit Returns.
Ratings (86)
Incredible (31) | |
Loved It (33) | |
Liked It (6) | |
It Was OK (6) | |
Did Not Like (6) | |
Hated It (4) |
Reader Stats (117):
Read It (99) | |
Want To Read (11) | |
Not Interested (7) |
5 comment(s)
The book gave me a sense that there is two types of people in the world, one who is always giving but is always alone and one who is selfish but is also alone so those two people who meet can either be in a toxic relationship (most likely) or a good relationship (most unlikely).
A touching book that resonates with the reader regardless no matter your age. “The Giving Tree” is a story of the love shared been a boy and a tree and starts from when the boy is young until he is an old man. I loved that although the boy leaves the tree, her love for him remains. Even when she had given all she had available to give, in the end, she is able to provide him with rest like she did when he was a boy. To me the book symbolizes the love between a parent and a child in that when a child in born, a parent falls in love with the child and as the child grows, so does the love of the parent. Regardless of whatever the child does, a parent’s love should be unwavering and everlasting.
The Giving Tree is a rather depressing parable about a tree that loves a boy who proceeds to take and take and take until the tree has nothing left. Forget children's story, this serves as a warning for anyone in or in danger of an abusive relationship.
I've only read this as an adult so I don't have nostalgic childhood memories. And honestly I'm not sure why anyone does but god knows children have weird ideas about what's a great story. To me, it was just sad. I felt sorry for the tree that gives and gives and never receives the love it deserves. 2 stars.
i still read this to my kids, even though i'm not a huge fan of the idea of preaching unconditional love without recompensation
I loved reading this book as a child and in the classroom to my students. I love the message of the book. The tree gave of itself all that it could and shows unconditional love. These types of books are what inspired me to write my children's book. I wanted to show the unconditional love of God.
What can you read after
The Giving Tree?
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