The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
Order today! Item will ship 09/10/2010
Mem. Ed. $13.99
Pub. Ed. $16.99
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The Giving Tree
“Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy…” begins this beautifully crafted story written and illustrated by Shel Silversein. When the boy is young, he and the tree enjoy happy times together, as he gathers her leaves and swings from her branches. Eventually, the boy grows too old for play and begins to concern himself with more grown-up pursuits, like earning a living and raising a family. And in a spirit of true love and selflessness, the tree gives the boy everything she has in order to make his dreams come true.
“Charming and very moving, [this] classic carries messages of grown-up truth,” writes the Los Angeles Times about this beloved story and its telling portrayal of generosity and sharing. (All ages).
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins ( October 07, 1964 )
Item #: 41-3331
ISBN: 9780060256654
Product Dimensions: 7.0 x 8.75 x 0.4 inches
Product Weight: 12.0 ounces
Giving to daughter to trigger a poignant memory!
August 25, 2010
This was one of my daughter's favorite stories to read at bedtime when she was little. I always let her pick out a book for her bedtime story and there was a time when I could nearly recite this entire story!! The really poignant moment was when she was a about 7 years old. She referenced the Giving Tree when telling me about a girl who she determined was very selfish when it came to that little girl's own sister. My daughter said that if she had a little sister, she would love her so much that she wouldn't be selfish because it was nicer to be giving. This book touched both of us and obviously passed on, in very simple terms, a lesson all of us learn. My daughter, now 24, is going to get this book as a gift. I'm sure that it will trigger a poignant memory!
Reviewer: Suzanne G
love it
August 12, 2010
My four year old son loves this story because the tree was giving all he had for nothing in return
Reviewer: Erendira J
Depressing
August 01, 2010
This book definitly has a good lesson in life, but its too sad for me. When I read to my boys, we want it to be a happy fun time. I don't think I'll even keep this book b/c I have no desire to read it again.
Reviewer: Sarah
Wonderful Book....With A Caveat!
July 20, 2010
This book is one of my favorite Shel S. books. Yeah, yeah, I'm a wimp & cry like many of you do. Its message about giving is very powerful. It gives children a chance to begin the lesson of seeing their world as a place with others in it, & the importance of coming out of themselves by giving. HOWEVER, care should be taken to balance the message of the book with a simple discussion about being able to tell the difference between giving of oneself and losing oneself to people who will take advantage. "Son, giving is important, but when it begins to harm you, it is no longer a loving act, but a disrespectful one." It's a tough lesson to explain to very young ones. But I love the message, and Shel's ability to weave the story as tender, and, perhaps, a bit sad. Sad is OK. We need to prepare our children for sadness as much as we prepare them about how to deal with any emotion, i.e., anger, happiness, etc. The Tree was an important stabilizing influence on the Boy his whole life. Perhaps it gave the Tree joy to see the Boy, no matter how long he'd been gone. Gee, sounds like Motherhood!! Yeah, sure does! Todays' youth, sadly, are in dire need of learning EMPATHY very early on. "How do you think the Tree felt?". Oh, Shel, you are a Master!
Reviewer: Mitch M
LOVE IT!
July 03, 2010
I started reading it to my granddaughter when she was 2-3, knowing she did not really understand the meaning, but maybe the tone of my voice as I read it. She is 5 1/2 now and she STILLLL asks for it. I am touched everytime I read it to her & it appears she is too.
Reviewer: Robbi
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