The Giving Tree

Title: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein 

Publisher: Harper & Row

Date: 1964

Number of pages: 46

Reading level: Ages 4-8

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Summary: This short tale is about the relationship between a young boy and a tree in a forest. The tree provides the boy with everything that he needs/wants: branches to swing on, shade to sit in, apples to eat, branches to build a home. The boy continues to grow older, and as he grows he requires more and more of the tree. The tree loves the boy very much and gives him anything he asks for. In the ultimate act of self-sacrifice, the tree lets the boy cut it down so the boy can build a boat to sail. The boy leaves the tree, now a stump. Many years later, the boy becomes an old man, returns and the tree says, "I have nothing left to give you." The boy replies, "I do not need much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest." The tree then says, "Well, an old tree stump is a good place for sitting and resting. Come boy, sit down and rest." The boy obliged and the tree was happy.

My reaction: I loved this book as a child, and learned many lessons of sacrifice and love through the kindness of the tree. I learned that the little boy loved the tree, like a small child would love his mother. Their relationship was like that of a child and parent figure. Much like a mother, the tree shows endless love that endures and prevails over all things. 

Potential problems: This children's classic has been speculated to be very controversial in moral values. Some say that the relationship between the tree and the boy is selfishly abused. The boy, in some cases, expects the tree to give him everything without expressing gratitude or giving anything in return. 

My recommendation: Regardless of popular discouragement of readership (due to popular controversy over morals)  I believe this book should still be shared/read aloud to all children. It's a popular bed-time story, and feel it should still be shared directly before child goes to bed. It helps them remember that they are not alone, an also gives them positive thoughts before drifting off to sleep. Children love the illustrations, and the mutual regard for love between the boy and the tree reminds most children of a relationship between them and their parents.