Common Sense Media Review
Classic, sensitive parable about selflessness.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 4+?
Any Positive Content?
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Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 13 parent reviews
Based on 14 kid reviews
Kids say the book presents various interpretations, from highlighting themes of unconditional love and generosity to being perceived as a commentary on toxic relationships or political ideologies. While some find it a touching story with deep morals for all ages, others criticize its simplicity and the somber black-and-white illustrations, suggesting it might not resonate well with younger readers.
- multiple interpretations
- unconditional love
- toxic relationship
- age appropriateness
- moral teaching
- artistic simplicity
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE GIVING TREE is a fable about giving (not always wisely, but deeply) and taking (often without thought but almost always with profound consequences). It follows the relationship of a boy and a tree, from the boy's childhood through old age. This is deservedly one of the bestselling children's books of all time. Both the text and the line drawings are like haiku in their potent simplicity.
Is It Any Good?
This fable's spare text and the expressive line drawings add to the beauty and solemnity of this story and focus its power. Author Shel Silverstein gives a thoughtful look at the cycle of life of the boy and challenges readers of all ages to think about how they sometimes take loved ones for granted. Many images will give readers an ache in their heart: the boy embracing the tree with his chubby arms, the adolescent leaning against the sheltering tree lost in thought. The tree, too, goes through stages: from leafy to ripe with fruit to branchless and, finally, to just a stump. Readers may find it truly moving or kind of sad. Little kids tend to find it a comforting model of unconditional love.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message the author might be trying to send readers. Do you think it's a good one? Why or why not?
Do you think the boy asks too much? Do you think the boy takes the tree for granted? Would you have behaved differently than the boy did?
Why do you think this book has been popular for so many years?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Shel Silverstein
- Genre : Friendship
- Topics : STEM
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperCollins Children's Books
- Publication date : January 1, 1964
- Number of pages : 60
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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