The Growing-Up Tree

by Vera Rosenberry

The life of an apple tree, planted by Alfred's mother when he was a baby, parallels Alfred's life as he and his children and grandchildren grow older together.

Genres: Picture Books, Storytime, Childrens, Nature, Death

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

(My daughter found this in the trash at work 😳 I will probably donate it.)

A nice story, but the ending is abrupt and felt like it needed a little something.

The illustrations are fine for the most part. The mother was a little wonky.

[Randi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent alternative to the inherently misogynistic Shel Silverstein story, The Giving Tree.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read with nice illustrations, although the people do look odd sometimes. When I randomly picked this book to read to my son while we were at the library I wouldn't have guessed that the little boy grows old and dies on the same night as the tree. But not to worry, a seed falls to the ground and a new tree is born. Good, simple intro to the topics of life and death.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the illustrations in this one and the story of a tree that grows up with the child is nice. It reminded me a little of Waiting For Mama when it goes into children and children's children, but without the imagination element.

[Beyond the Pages with Eva K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. It spoke about the life cycle of a particular seed in comparison to a man. I liked it. I think it presented a unique way to discuss life, change, and death.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book to read instead of The Giving Tree. More of a message of caring for each other than one-sided giving. I'm not sold on the art, but I don't need to be.