The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

[readertim109]

Have you read The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein?

It's a very short story, written as a children's book. The story is a short moral tale about a relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. It tells the account of how the tree loves the boy, and helps the boy with his needs throughout his life, from the boy's childhood until his golden years.

What did you think of it? How did you interpret it?

[CollegeReader]

I adore children's literature and I really enjoyed this book, though it is somewhat bittersweet. I interpret it as a mother and son relationship. Just as a mother gives and sacrifices until she runs dry, the tree gave all she had for the boy. Beautiful.

[awelker]

i remember this as a kid. i remember my mom reading it to me all the time.

[Linda]

wait isnt it about a kid who betrays the tree that hes had forever and chops it down and kills it! i hate that boy! traitor!!!!!!

[booklover85]

This is a good book, especially for children. It's simple enough for them to understand, but has a great message that not only reaches children but also adults. I read it for a third grade class once and they were really involved with the story.

[Syrcco44]

Cute book. Quick read. Good message.

[SeoulChild]

I totally dig the simplicity and sincerity of Giving Tree, even though I always leave it feeling a little self-reproachful lol.

[Scott]

I love The Giving Tree. I own a copy. It's sort of odd as a children's book. If you ask me, it is a good mockery of what is often called love.

[Tracey Neal]

Big Borat smile=] Shel Sliverstein, love the man=) Giving Tree, fond memories, I still like to take it off the shelf from time to time=) Where the sidewalk ends is awesome too=)

[joafech]

I cry everytime I read that book. Seeing "the boy" as an old man tugs at the old heartstrings!

[Stunt Penguin]

I read this story when I was about 6 or 7. It was a really great story, but so sad. To this day, I think that the only truly selfless creatures in this world are trees. They only give and expect nothing in return. I remember hating the "boy" after he grows up.

[yoerinayee]

I love this story so much. But there is one thing I dislike. It's the boy's attitude toward the tree. But I guess that only accentuates the tree's giving and selfless nature.