The Giving Tree

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It's a hit!

One of the best children's stories ever. Shel does such an amazing job when relating to children and adults at the same time. There is so much dept... (show more)

One of the best children's stories ever. Shel does such an amazing job when relating to children and adults at the same time. There is so much depth to this story, yet it's written simple enough to connect at a child's level. And the illustrations went along with the story perfectly, definately making it easy for any child to understand. Unfortunately, we as adults tend to read into and over analyze things way too much. I've noticed in some of the book reviews below that many people went a whole other direction with this book and actually got angry with the "selfish boy." I don't personally think that was the author's point at all. It's just a simple message of selfless/unconditional love. I would go as far as to compare the tree to Jesus (although that might not have been Shel's intentions) and how He is always giving, yet we continue to take and take from Him. He's always there; Waiting, yearning for just a second of our attention. The boy was a representation of us and our selfishness. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

No, it's a flop!

I hate this book with a fiery passion! Notice how the tree is female and the lil boy just keeps taking and taking and nothing she does or gives is ... (show more)

I hate this book with a fiery passion! Notice how the tree is female and the lil boy just keeps taking and taking and nothing she does or gives is ever good enough for the lil brat. (show less)

 

 

by Facebook User

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  When I was a child (4 years), I remember asking my mother to read this to me, over and over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I remember feeling very ‘confused’ and ‘puzzled’ by it. I never understood how to feel after experiencing it; but I always felt strongly. I remember feeling like I didn’t know what it was talking about.

  At present (as an adult), I find I’m still confused. It’s a more sophisticated version of ‘confused;’ but today I understand its complexities more tho... (show more)

  When I was a child (4 years), I remember asking my mother to read this to me, over and over and over again. It was one of my favorite books. I remember feeling very ‘confused’ and ‘puzzled’ by it. I never understood how to feel after experiencing it; but I always felt strongly. I remember feeling like I didn’t know what it was talking about.

  At present (as an adult), I find I’m still confused. It’s a more sophisticated version of ‘confused;’ but today I understand its complexities more thoroughly. It’s a book about deep, enduring love and natural roles/function. I think it becomes difficult when we personify the tree. Of course this is what the author intends us to do; which is why it’s message is layered and allows it to raise interesting questions ~needs/desires and /self/, selfless vs. self-sacrificing love/giving ~demands, wants, needs, & wishes.

  I find that it’s not recommended for such young audiences; but am sure it stands out in my memory as a result of its complex, formational questions. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Dec 16, 2009 at 08:44AM

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  I rate this book highly on the words as well as the pictures. Silverstein was one of my favorite childhood authors and I continue to love this book in particular. He is able to capture the hearts of children and adults at the same time, something that is actually rather hard to accomplish.

  I easily see myself reading this story to my own children someday, it is truly timeless. Silverstein's look at growing up and what that means is toughing and relevant and the message of this book continu... (show more)

  I rate this book highly on the words as well as the pictures. Silverstein was one of my favorite childhood authors and I continue to love this book in particular. He is able to capture the hearts of children and adults at the same time, something that is actually rather hard to accomplish.

  I easily see myself reading this story to my own children someday, it is truly timeless. Silverstein's look at growing up and what that means is toughing and relevant and the message of this book continues to resonate long after the last sentance has been read. The themes of selflessness and love, especially unconditional love, stick with the reader and this is a book that will continue to make you think.

  The illustrations are beautiful, they fit the writing style well and they are fun to look at. Before being able to read the words, I always enjoyed just looking at the pictures. They tell the story all on their own. (show less)

   

   

  by Facebook User on Jul 20, 2009 at 03:23AM

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