The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
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Web ID: 15623225A Classic
When I was younger, I loved this book as an example of unconditional love. Some people don't like the book because the boy is so selfish. But I think that we can use the book as a discussion starter. We can "branch out" and discuss how much trees do for us. It is a perfect book for Arbor Day or Earth Day. But we can also talk about giving back to someone who takes care of us.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Hits Harder as a Grown Up
I remember liking this when I was a kid, but I'll be honest it makes your eyes tear up a little bit when you read it as an adult. I feel pretty sorry for this tree (makes me wish I could call my mom and tell her thank you for everything she put up with when I was young). The artwork is so original with the simple dark line drawings and the little patches of red for the apples. It manages to be simple but profound at the same time. I really recommend this one. Also, call your mom.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Not pleasant but worthy
This is not a children's book that I love, or even like very much. However, I believe it is a worthy one. While it starts on an idyllic note with the bond between the boy and the tree, it evolves into a darker story where the boy keeps taking with no show of gratitude, and the tree keeps giving with no limit. The boy is not a very likable character, and I believe that is the whole point. The story is simply told, actions are described and presented, and the reader is left to conclude what this relationship is all about without help or context from the author. This story essentially presents human nature in an unflattering light (much like Orwell's Animal Farm), and the story takes on nuances at different levels: the male human constantly taking from the female tree, man's consumption of nature and its resources, man never being satisfied and always seeking more. Children are capable of following the simple storyline, seeing a very real aspect of the world through these characters and drawing their own conclusions, hence my opinion that it is worthy of being in any child's library.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
The giving tree
My all-time favorite children's book
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Love
Such a childhood favorite!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
mind-blowingly, amazing, out of this world
it made me cry
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com