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 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
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The Giving Tree
- By Shel Silverstein
- Genre: Friendship
Common Sense Media says
Classic, sensitive parable about selflessness.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Silverstein's story really hits an emotional button; readers seem to either love this book or hate it. Some see selfless love as beautiful, even if it's taken to an extreme. It's easy to imagine the tree as a mature, patient mother dependably being there for her child throughout his life. But the tree can also be seen as a masochistic female who doesn't know how to set limits. (Or could the story even be a warning about greedily using Mother Nature's resources?) Still, there's little concern that the youngest readers will grasp much negative meaning from this sensitive parable.
What's the story?
Shel Silverstein's fable about giving (not always wisely, but deeply) and taking (often without thought but almost always with profound consequences) will stay forever fixed in your mind. It is deservedly one of the best-selling children's books of all time. Both the text and the line drawings are like haiku in their potent simplicity.
Is it any good?
The spare text and the expressive line drawings add to the beauty and solemnity of this story, focusing its power, and Shel Silverstein gives a thoughtful look at the cycle of life of the boy. The author challenges readers of all ages to think about how they sometimes take loved ones for granted, and 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, stumpy.
A classroom of 7-year-olds was unusually silent after reading it, although the silence didn't last long. Still, an impression had been made.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the message the author might be trying send readers and whether kids think it's a good one -- and why.
Do you like what the tree does for the boy?
Do you think the boy asks too much?
Do you feel for the tree?
Do you think the boy took her for granted? Would you have behaved differently than the boy did?
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AGE
I luv it
I really recommend this book..
That's really true and make me cry
Luv it
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AGE
Great for all ages above 4, even adults
I came across this book as an adult and while the book is written for children, the message is a universal one: Selfless love. I couldn't help crying when I got to the end--Silverstein's gentle prose is poetic and inspiring. The book opens a forum for parents to talk to their children about responsible love, giving of self, Mother nature, etc. I plan on buying the book for my godchild when he turns 4; this way we'll be able to talk about the book's message.
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AGE
Positive
i read this book a million times and your able to read it to all age groups.
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AGE
Makes mommy cry...
Don't know what it is abt this book but it makes me want to cry. My 4 yo loves it but doesn't get the poinancy. If I've had a tough day, I ask him to pick a different book! Overall, good book but if you cry at Kodak commericals, you may want to read this by yourself a few times.
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AGE
must have
Little tikes can read but it will take the older child to actually understand the message... I still cry when I read this one...
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AGE
Many Lessons for Young Readers
This book is one of my favorites. I like to give it to friends along with a box of Kleenex at Christmas time. To me... the book ignites and provokes many feelings. The tree is a friend and comfort to the boy, but as he grows he has no need for her as a playmate... Now he needs her to provide, but he doesn't just take... she gives, and gives... She loves the boy so much that she only wants to see him happy; the way he was as a child. The boy seems to share his love for the tree his entire life -even when he carves into the tree-. It was symbolic from every angle. As long as a parent can explain the book to a child I think it's perfect for all ages. I read it alone when I was in kindergarten. I always disliked the boy for what he did to the tree; I felt that he was killing her. Now that I am older I see that he always came back to her and they really did love each other. I agree with the initial review that the tree was a bit masochistic... okay... maybe over the top masochistic.
My book comes out Spring of 2012 it's called Dream of the Daffodil also perfect for all children.
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Kid, 3 years old
June 15, 2011
AGE
Great way to introduce your kids about unconditional love and giving!
The giving tree is a very sweet yet sad story. But it has an important message! It teaches all to remeber to love and give unconditionally and not to take others love and giving for granted. It shows the repercutions of doing so. Great opritunity to explain these morals to your children and a good reminder for the parents once in a while.
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AGE
Extremely sad! A tree keeps giving to a boy, and soon all that's left is a lonely tree stump.
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AGE
If the kids are sensitive about nature or are emotional, this book might appear disturbing as the Tree is a character who speaks and has feelings gets slowly chopped down. The upside to this book is its lesson of selfless love, such as a loving parent's love for a child. A book to read with the kids from time to time as they grow up.
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AGE
Beautiful
This book is so sad! I love this book but it is very sad.Love the author very creative and beautiful writer.
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| Author: | Shel Silverstein |
| Illustrator: | Shel Silverstein |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Friendship |
| Publisher: | HarperCollins Children's Books |
| Publication date: | January 1, 1964 |
| Number of pages: | 60 |
| Hardcover price: | $15.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 4 - 7 |
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