The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

By Shel Silverstein

50 ratings 60 reviews 86 followers
Interest LevelReading LevelReading A-ZATOSWord Count
n/aGrades 1 - 3N2.6621

Once there was a little 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.

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. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Publisher: Puffin
ISBN-13: 9781846143830
ISBN-10: 1846143837
Published on 1/1/2010
Binding: Hardcover

Book Reviews (58)

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I love this book, and all of Shel Silverstein’s books! The Giving Tree talks about the love between a boy and a tree. They would do everything together: The boy would eat her apples, sit under her branches or climb them, and even carved their names on the tree. But as the boy grew older, he started spending less time with the tree. He got a girlfriend, and they had THEIR initials carved in the tree, but the tree still loved him. The boy started getting greedy and asked for more things from the tree like her apples, leaves, sticks, branches, and even most of the trunk. But, the tree was still happy for the boy. Many years later, the boy was now an old man. The tree said, “I’m sorry but I have nothing else left for you,” but he just says he needs a place to rest, and sits on the the little stump. This book is really touching and sad, but it teaches wonderful lessons.

This book tells the life of a little boy and a tree. The little boy and the tree would always play together, they were friends. The tree would let the little boy eat her apples, sit under her shady branches, and climb her branches. And as the boy grew up he would spend less and less time with the tree. But the tree would still love the boy (as a mother would) and would still try to make him happy. I love this book and it really touched me. I learned that receiving gifts is not the only thing that makes you happy, but also by giving. I recommend this book 100% and more! I also think that this is a book for all ages, because you can really learn something from it! Happy reading!!<3

This book inspired me to love trees, I hugged one once. Its a very nice book. I love how the little boy is friends with the tree. Also I think every one should me inspired from this book. the book is for all ages, so share it with friends, family. I love this book and I hope everyone does to 🤗 5/5

This book is a bit messed up in my opinion. It's like one of those books you read as a young child and you enjoyed it, but as you get older it just seems wrong.

This book is about a boy and a tree 🌳. The boy loved a tree, he would climb the tree, pick apples from the tree and even sleep on the tree. But he kept getting older and older and older! He started to do something to the tree 🌳. But your going to have to read the book to find out what happens next :) I really enjoyed this book!!!

pinky pinky

I love this book

pinky pinky

I really think this book is sweet and cute

ITS SUCH A GOOD BOOK I DEFENITLIY SUGGEST IT!😍😍😍

This book is a wonderful yet kinda sad story but it will always be my favorite childhood book.......when the boy was young he would play all the time with Tree but as he got older he kept needing stuff and needing stuff. But the tree was happy that is kept him happy.then one day when he is an old man the tree has nothing else to give .but all he needs is somewhere too sit .so he sits on her stump and they are both happy.I love this book and I rate it 5/5 stars .I recommend for everyone to read this no matter what age. -Pizzagirl7

Once there was a tree who loved a little boy. The boy would eat her apples, play in her trucks and sleep in her shade. The boy loved the tree very much and enjoyed his childhood playing in the shade of her limbs. As the boy gets older he wants many things, money, a home, a boat. The tree gives him these things because she cares very much and it makes her happy. But is she happy... The boy is never around and she is lonely. But one day the boy comes back - except he isn't a boy. He is an old tired man. He only needs one thing. a place to rest... That place is the stump of the wonderful, giving, tree. I still love this book even though it is short. Thanks for reading- Ajg16's reviews

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