The Giving Tree

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Overview

'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages...

See more details below
Note: Kids' Club Eligible. See More Details.
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More About This Book

Overview

'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

Ages 10+

This 40th anniversary edition of Shel Silverstein's classic, The Giving Tree, is here and ready for a new generation of fans. The book comes packaged with a cd featuring Silverstein reading his beloved tale, along with a commemorative 40th anniversary sticker on the front.

Editorial Reviews

From Barnes & Noble
"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." Shel Silverstein's 1964 tender picture book parable about a self-sacrificing apple tree and a demanding boy has touched millions of readers and even inspired lively scholarly symposiums about its underlying message. Adults can debate the moral of its story, but The Giving Tree continues to give unmitigated pleasure to millions of young readers around the world. A poignant, unforgettable tale for all ages.
Publishers Weekly
The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein's classic parable of selfless love and devotion originally published in 1964, is now available in a larger-size edition. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Product Details

  • ISBN-13: 9780060256654
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
  • Publication date: 10/7/1964
  • Pages: 64
  • Sales rank: 341
  • Age range: 6 - 8 Years
  • Lexile: 530L (what's this?)
  • Product dimensions: 7.60 (w) x 10.30 (h) x 0.47 (d)

Meet the Author

Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein is the author-artist of many beloved books of prose and poetry. He was a cartoonist, playwright, poet, performer, recording artist, and Grammy-winning, Oscar-nominated songwriter.

Biography

If there is such a thing as a "bad boy of children's literature," it would have to be Shel Silverstein. Though often compared to Dr. Seuss for his ability to blend humor and nonsense into irresistible rhymes, Silverstein also ventured into macabre territory that the good Doctor wouldn't have touched with a ten-foot Sneetch. Silverstein broached such unsavory topics as nose-picking, the consumption of children, and winds so strong they could decapitate a man right out from under his hat.

It's a testament to Silverstein's abilities as a cartoonist and storyteller that he was able to endow such subjects with just the right silliness and humor, endearing him to both children and adults. In collections such as the classic Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up, Silverstein makes poems into page-turners -- aided in no small part by his grungy, whimsical black-and-white drawings. He also displays a tenderhearted understanding for kids' fears and peccadilloes; one poem in A Light in the Attic, for example, all but endorses nailbiting: "It's a nasty habit, but ... I have never ever scratched a single soul."

A lifelong writer and illustrator, Silverstein had been a cartoonist for an army newspaper in Korea in the 1950s, and then a contributor to magazines. Like many succesful writers for children, Silverstein never planned to author children's books. Ironically, his first attempt at the genre -- the book that established the one-time Playboy cartoonist as a school library fixture -- is something of an anomaly in his ouevre: The Giving Tree. This bittersweet story of a tree that ultimately sacrifices itself -- down to the stump -- to the boy she loves over the course of his life was initially rejected by Silverstein's editor. Of course, it has gone on to be a great, if sentimental, success. But it was Where the Sidewalk Ends, Silverstein's straightforward collection of crooked poems, that cemented his place as a must-read for the young and young at heart. Silverstein bristled at comparisons to fellow "nonsense poet" Edward Lear, preferring instead to cite his former teacher, Robert Cosbey, as an influence.

It's worth looking at some of Silverstein's less well-known picture books, such as Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros? and Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back, as examples of how funny (and how subversive) Silverstein could be. In Lafcadio, the ultimate anti-hunting story, a lion learns to become such a good marksman that he provides "hunter rugs" for his fellow lions and ends up touring as a celebrity. Lafcadio soon gets bored with his opulent life, and what used to be thrilling no longer is: "This morning I went up and down in the elevator 1,423 times," he cries at one point. "IT'S OLD STUFF!"

In later years, Silverstein turned more attention to dramatic writing. Titles such as The Lady and the Tiger, Wild Life and The Devil and Billy Markham were produced with varying degrees of success, and some are still being staged by small theater groups. Silverstein also wrote a well-received screenplay, Things Change, with pal David Mamet in 1988.

Still, Silverstein's poetry is what remains his most popular contribution. His verse gave kids permission to be a little grown-up for a while, and (just as importantly) let adults experience the not-always-simple perspective of children.

Good To Know

Silverstein was a soldier in the U.S. Army in Japan and Korea in the '50s and drew cartoons for Stars and Stripes, the American military publication. His next cartooning gig was for Playboy.

Silverstein wrote several songs. His country-western song "A Boy Named Sue" was a hit for Johnny Cash in 1969. His song for Postcards From the Edge, "I'm Checkin' Out," was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.

    1. Also Known As:
      Sheldon Allan Silverstein (full name)
      Shel Silverstein
    1. Date of Birth:
      September 25, 1930
    2. Place of Birth:
      Chicago, Illinois
    1. Date of Death:
      May 10, 1999
    2. Place of Death:
      Key West, Florida

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 277 )

Rating Distribution

5 Star

(224)

4 Star

(27)

3 Star

(8)

2 Star

(4)

1 Star

(14)

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 277 Customer Reviews

  • Posted April 20, 2009

    I love this book!

    The lessons are great and I first was read this book 30-some odd years ago, in 2nd grade. I've bought it numerous times because the lesson in it is fanastic and actually changes, the older I get.

    5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 9, 2006

    The greatness of the tree

    This book 'THE GIVING TREE' by Shel Silverstein is a great book to read to children. It is a sad story but the lesson that it teaches is really valuable. This story speaks about the unconditional love the tree had towards the boy.When the boy was little he would gather the leaves, climb up on her trunk and swing from her branches. She would let him eat her apples and give him shade when he was tired. As he grows older he completely forgets about the tree. He remembers her only when he needs her.But the tree keeps giving him whatever the boy wanted. The man sells all the apples and even cuts her down to build his house. Even then the tree keeps giving whatever he wanted. When I read this book to my children , my daughter who is going to 3rd grade said that it was very mean on the boy's part to keep asking for more and more from the tree. My daughter hated when the boy cut the tree down to build his house. She was in tears when she read that page in the story. She told me that she will never be as mean as that boy . She was infact angry that the boy did not thank the tree even once. I think that this book helped my daughter learn the importance of give and take. I highy recomend readers to read this book to their young ones and also teachers to keep this book in their classrooms. I think it is a great book to share.

    3 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 26, 2003

    Why not take all of me?

    I have hated this book since I was little. It seems cruel the way the little boy uses the tree for his own needs, never reciprocating, appreciating or even thanking the tree. The only time he comes to see the tree is when he needs something. This is not something that we should teach our children. That it is OK to continually take from someone and never give in return. I can also see it in a feminist viewpoint. The tree being a woman who gives all she can, including her own body, for a love that is not returned. I heard on National Public Radio from a woman who wrote a new book on how to teach your children to love reading that Shel wrote this about women and how stupid they were. He did write for Playboy, ya know.

    3 out of 8 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 7, 2003

    Extremely overrated.

    This book is boring for my children, and they are huge book-lovers. It is geared more for adults. It should not be a children's book. It's an adult's idea of what a children's book should be. The story contains no real substance. My children never ask me to read this book. Don't bother with this one.

    3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted February 22, 2010

    Should be in everyone's home

    I hadn't read it in over 30 years and when I read it to my 5 year old it made me cry. The message is so touching and powerful. Rarely are so few words so moving. Never read it? Haven't read it in years? Pick it up now.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 5, 2009

    GREAT BOOK!

    I give this book to all new mothers. Both of my kids enjoy it. Great story.

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted September 1, 2009

    The Giving Tree

    One of the Best books ever written. I have purchased this book for
    both of my children who are now adults and they have handed this book
    down to their children. This really teaches you about selfishness.
    Great Book

    2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 15, 2010

    Everybody should own this book!

    I first was introduced to Shel Silverstein as a child...reading Where the Sidewalk Ends and The Giving Tree. I give this book as a git to all my nieces and nephews because of its powerful meaning and the dialogue that can occur between parent and child while reading.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 9, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Brings back memories

    I clearly remember reading this book when I was a child. I really would like to buy this book for my 6 year old sister. I know she will love this book as well.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted February 6, 2010

    Cute, thoughtful story for my 5-8 year olds

    Sweet storyline.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted January 30, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    Timeless classic

    This is a wonderful book!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted December 1, 2009

    Review of Giving

    In the book there was a boy and an apple tree. The apple tree gave the boy everything that he could give. Almost everyday the boy came to the tree. Soon the boy got older and began to want other bigger things. I liked that even if you're tree you can have a friend. I thought it was good in the story that it showed that all trees can't live forever. It was well thought-out how the title of the book matched what happened in the story. At the end of the book it got a little sadder, so you could understand the lifecycle. It almost felt like I was in the book. If you like books about friendship or love, you will enjoy this book.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 1, 2009

    A precious and wonderful book!

    This is one of the best books ever written! I recommend it for any age, even a thirteen year old woulld find this book cute, I am in 4th grade and I still love this book! A 10 out of 10 from me!!!!!!!!!!!!

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 26, 2009

    Classic read!

    Touching book to share with children that should be a part of everyone's library.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted July 19, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    9780060572341 9780060256739 9780060248024

    Classic

    This is a book that every child and adult should have in their book case. I love giving this book out as gifts all the time. This book was given to a new wounderful teacher. I know she will use it for years to come.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 19, 2009

    more from this reviewer

    The Giving Tree is on my permanent nightstand.

    The Giving Tree has been on my bookshelf since I was 12. My grandmother used to read it to us as children. It's a simple story of a boy who visits a tree that is genuinely always there for him. And it's a timeless story about giving, receiving and love. I could read it every day.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted April 6, 2009

    Best Children's Book Ever Written

    I read this book for the first time when I had my first child and was very impressed with it. I bought one for my class library (elementary school teacher) and recommended it for the school library. I give it as a gift whenever a child's book is called for. It is well written and thought provoking and a good discussion starter for kids of any age. Its meaning can change as the child grows and the thought processes mature. It has become the favorite book of several people to whom I've given it. It is my favorite children's book and a book that even adults can have reasonable discussions about.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted November 2, 2006

    Rather Overrated

    I have read this book more times than I care to mention. Many friends and fellow educators have told me what a wonderful book this is. I hate to say, but I don't like it at all. The boy in the story is rather selfish in my opinion the 'friendship' rather onesided. I think many of us have experienced a relationship like this from time to time. Is this a good message for kids?

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted July 19, 2003

    Horrible

    This is the most astonishing book. It is so mean spirited the way the little creepy kid just takes and takes. This book shows a heartless attitude and I hated it. I cannot imagine why it's so popular.

    1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted December 31, 2001

    'Mommy send it back!'

    I ordered this books based on the extensive media praise. Read it to my 5yr old child. When asked if she wanted to hear the book again, she said 'NO, mommy send it back'. This is coming from a kid insists each new book be read over and over until its memorized. She was quite disturbed by the theme of 'take until no more'

    1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

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