The giving tree

[Tyler]

weird

[zaju]

I did not now that it was sad book.

[Ellen]

I love this book, and to me it describes parenthood perfectly. As a mother the way the tree feels about the boy is how I feel about my children, I hope to one day be the stump they can rest upon - something to remember, something that was always there for them. My Dad just passed away recently, and this book reminds me of him, I am not a greedy person and do not feel that it was one sided, I think sometimes we read too deeply into things, I don't think Shel's sole point was that people are greedy (althought isn't that parent/child relationship normally and shouldn't it be in some ways? I would think that I have more to give to my children from a material perspective as well as psychologically?) but rather love is always a sacrifice (not in a bad way but as giving a part of our heart away), that we give freely and without question, and still fill good about it, because it gives us happiness back. :)

[Michael]

The tree is a hero.

[Tyler]

yea, the kid takes everything from the tree.

[John]

My two cents...

The boy is a narcissist. The tree is co-dependent.

Is there a lesson in this book? Yes, but the book is written for an age level which isn't ready to understand/appreciate that lesson. And the lesson is presented so subtly that the book comes off as a bit disturbing.

[Shane]

I actually think this book is geared more for adults than for children. It's adults who sometimes forget how to love and how to give. Most children usually have that down. I gave this as a wedding gift once.

[Guenneonanimue]

Here's a real giving tree, and an example of true friendship....

http://liftingtheveil.proboards.com/i...

[Miriam]

Ruby wrote: "Horrible book portraying a horrible relationship. Reminds me of the also horrible Rainbow Fish book."

Yes, if you look at this as an equal friendship, then this could be an example of a bad relationship, but I don't think that's what the author intended. I think the giving tree represents a parent / child relationship (as well as the relationship between God & his children). It kind of is a horrible relationship. We take and take from them & what do we give? But it is also an amazing relationship. All that a parent or God asks of their child in return is that we love them & follow what they teach us. That is true love. Loving & sacrificing without asking anything in return. It is heart-breakingly beautiful. It is overwhelming when you realize that someone loves you like that.

What is horrible about the Rainbow Fish? He learned that having friends and sharing with them is better than being vain and alone. It's a great story!

[Helena]

I read this book to my kids (ages 4-12) and all 4 cried their eyes out.... Definitely not my intent. I love this book, I'd just be careful when reading it to children. My children love this book as well, but will always remember it as a very sad story.

[Helena]

Deborah wrote: "I dear. I hate to be the odd person out here. I refused to give this book to my grandson for fear that he would identify with either the boy or the tree. The boy is a self-centered monster and t..."

I agree ..... I read this book to my kids and they dried their eyes out.

[kevin]

This narrative is simply an inspiring tale illustrating the wonder and beauty of capitalism. The boy, a perfect consumer, commodifies the tree; his love for the tree depends on his ability to commodify it. Using the tree for its resource value, the boy earns a life of rich and varied experiences apart from the tree. And in the end, he is again rewarded for his total appropriation of the tree by using its remains to support his capitalism-fatigued body. There's no judgment within this book (i.e. towards the boy from the tree), just as the free market is free from simplistic morals or ethics.

[[deleted user]]

I love this book

[S]

A good book, but not one I'd ever read to a child.

[Joelle]

we do need more

[Kaylee]

I love this book my mom read this book to me when I was a little baby

[Izumi]

I read this story my New Horizon English textbook in the 3rd grade junior high school. I learned that giving something for the people will return me, receiver and giver can share with each of happiness.

[Mariam]

Mom wrote: "We need more giving trees in this world"
i think we do need more trees and giving trees

[Mariam]

Roxanne wrote: "yes, but isn't it true that we mothers love our children no matter what they do?"
ya my mother does take care of me still and i and i am very happy for my self because there will be ups and downs so yaaaaaaaa!

[Jennie]

Shel Silverstein is one of the greatest authors ever. Everything he writes has simple delightful fun, depth of a message for all and appeal to all ages.

Ickle me pickle me tickle too
went for a ride in a flying shoe
Ickle was captain, pickle was crew and
tickle serve coffee with mulligan stew

Message of sharing and helpfulness!

[Jason]

I have always found this book disturbing. Is it a cautionary tale? To avoid those who will take and take until there is little to nothing left to give?

Neither the boy nor the tree are solid role models for children. I don't want my children to be "Giving Trees." I certainly don't want them to grow up to be exploiters like the boy.

I wonder why this book has been so exalted.

[Deborah]

I thought I would never post anything about this book again, but Jason presents another good argument against the book for reading by young children. As a book to stimulate debate among older children, perhaps ten and up, though, I think it has potential. I have always enjoyed Shel Silverstein's work, by the way.

[Don]

Deborah wrote: "I thought I would never post anything about this book again, but Jason presents another good argument against the book for reading by young children. As a book to stimulate debate among older c..."

Deborah, is it a choice or an example of extremes that illustrate compromise... Please don't be so literal Jason, it's there to make you think.

[Izumi]

There are good opinion and negative one about the book of Giving tree. I think that you're uncomfortable for the book, I hope you can find better book for your life on the library or the book store.

[Deborah]

Don, I don't understand your comment. Izumi, in my long life, there are few books I've disliked. The Giving Tree is one of those very few. I have so many books I love that I ran out of bookshelf space a long time ago. It's embarrassing. :-)