The Giving Tree
The Giving Tree
To say that this particular apple tree is a "giving tree" is an understatement. In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy, but with time it becomes more challenging for the generous tree to meet his needs. When he asks for money, she suggests that he sell her apples. When he asks for a house, she offers her branches for lumber. When the boy is old, too old and sad to play in the tree, he asks the tree for a boat. She suggests that he cut her down to a stump so he can craft a boat out of her trunk. He unthinkingly does it. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." "And then the tree was happy... but not really." When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. The stump offers up her services, and he sits on it. "And the tree was happy." While the message of this book is unclear (Take and take and take? Give and give and give? Complete self-sacrifice is good? Complete self-sacrifice is infinitely sad?), Silverstein has perhaps deliberately left the book open to interpretation. (All ages) --Karin Snelson
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Additional Product Information
- ISBN: 9780060256654
- Manufacturer:N/A
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1164 Reviews
| From: Amazon Posted: Jun 21, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Giving Tree
I have used Amazon for many purchases and have been very pleased with the service. They are right on target and I haven't had a problem at all.
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 5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jun 19, 2008 Type: User Review |
A book for all ages
It's a book about giving selflessly which we all need to learn to do in a society where everything is give to get. It is a highly benign book that delivers a good message on a multiple levels. A boy, (a spoiled brat) asks for bigger things each...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: Jun 07, 2008 Type: User Review |
You are the Giving Tree, she said.
"Sophomore year I entered your classroom playing the role of a student," she wrote. "I will never forget that red-headed teacher that pushed me to do a little more...."
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 30, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Giving Tree
Have you ever wanted to learn more about how to be a true friend? Well, have I got a book for you! I recently read the fiction book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The characters are a boy (who grows old) and a tree that might be in the...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 20, 2008 Type: User Review |
A Wonderful Book
The Giving Tree is full of simple illustrations. The book begins with the introduction of a little boy's favorite tree that serves him as a leafy playground, and provider of shade and apples. The tree enjoys giving to the boy because as it makes...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 20, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Giving Tree
Have loved this book since I was little. Recently purchased for my son (2), as I hope he too will love it as much as I did.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 15, 2008 Type: User Review |
The Giving Tree Review
When I was a child, I always wanted to be the child who would give up anything so another child could have it. The Giving tree by Shel Silverstein was such an inspiration to me. In all situations that we may face as we are younger and grow older,...
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 15, 2008 Type: User Review |
Great kids book
Be careful when you read it, have tissues nearby. Does it every time. I story with great morals, and great illustrations accompany.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 14, 2008 Type: User Review |
One of the best books EVER!
This book is so sweet and touching. It has always made me cry, but more so now that I am a parent. I've never met anyone that didn't love this book, but that could just be a testament to the kind of company I keep.
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5.00/5 |
| From: Amazon Posted: May 05, 2008 Type: User Review |
Love this book...
This is one of my favorites! The only bad thing is that the author's scary picture is the entire back cover. Ugh... :)
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5.00/5 |
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