The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

4.9 (7)
$19.99

Product details

Web ID: 15623225

From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans. "Once there was a tree. And she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk. And the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. The Giving Tree is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers. Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros , The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite.

  • Product Features

    • Age Range: 6-8 Years
    • Hardcover
    • Dimensions- 7.8" W x 10.1" H x 0.6" D
    • Genre- Picture Books
    • Publication Date: 02-18-2014
    • Page Count: 64
    • ISBN- 9780060256654
    • Shel Silverstein (Author)
    • Publisher: HarperCollins
  • Shipping & Returns

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9/5

7 star ratings, 6 reviews

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4 months ago
from IN

A 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.

Recommends this product

  • Photo from Storybook Lady

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

8 months ago
from Missouri

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.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

9 months ago

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.

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

1 year ago
from California

The giving tree

My all-time favorite children's book

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

2 years ago

Love

Such a childhood favorite!

Recommends this product

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com

3 years ago
from mr ortegas classroom

mind-blowingly, amazing, out of this world

it made me cry

Customer review from barnesandnoble.com