The Giving Tree Hardcover – 2 Dec. 2010

Confession - I cry every time when I read this book 🫣The Giving Tree is a beautiful, thought-provoking tale that speaks to readers of all ages. Shel Silverstein’s simple yet powerful writing and illustrations deliver a moving story about the nature of giving, selflessness, and love.The story revolves around the relationship between a boy and a tree. As the boy grows, the tree selflessly gives everything it has to make him happy. It’s a touching metaphor about unconditional love and the passage of time, offering valuable lessons about gratitude and selflessness.Silverstein’s illustrations are minimalist but add depth to the narrative, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the story. Although some readers may interpret the ending as bittersweet or even sad, it opens up meaningful conversations about the balance between giving and receiving.Whether you're a parent reading to a child, or an adult revisiting the tale, The Giving Tree remains a timeless, emotionally resonant experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that’s as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking.

A very simple story which, even on a literal level is nice for children to read. On a deeper level it gives opportunity to discuss not only the concept of parenthood, but of generosity, unselfishness, gratitude, unconditional love.I bought it for my children when they were young, but have now bought it again for them as adult parents themselves, so that they can share it with my Grandchildren/their children

A classic story, a must for young and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to sacrifice your all for another person, giving is a two way experience whether in showing kindness or paying to forward or giving back. Easy to follow and could generate interesting chats and discussions

I must respectfully disagree with those who have said this book is NOT for children. I have taught for nearly a decade, to both young and older children and I have found this particular book very useful and helpful both in message and deed.Children need to understand that their desires, such as demonstrated by the boy, whom many of them will be able to relate to on some level depending on their age, can be selfish, only looking inward rather than outward to others' generosity. It is an excellent teacher of self-reflection for the young and old alike. It makes children think on so many levels and according to their understand and experience of the world to that point. As I have experienced, this is one of those books that sometimes sits and stirs in the sub-concious for many years, with past students coming back saying, "oh my, I didnt realise!" and thanking me for introducing them to this book.Someone once said to me in an academic setting that learning is painful. The responsible adult (parent/ teacher/ guardian/ mentor) teaches all facets of human emotion and behaviours-- not just the ones we would have our children demonstrate themselves, but those we would have them not demonstrate so that they can recognise those negative behaviours in others and at times themselves and correct it according to their conscious.Help build conscientious, empathetic qualities in the little people in your lives and guide them starting with the invaluable message in this book.

This is the first time I have ever wrote a review on amazon. However this book moved me to tears and the reaction of my 4 yr old after reading this book to him compelled me to do so... You will find that all of the negative reviewers on this book are disturbed or saddened by this story. However the opinion that this book gives your child a bad message is not quite true... After reading the book to my little boy he asked if we could go and see the tree? I told him that we could go and see a tree like that one. He said "We can climb it and play on it, but we won't make it into a boat, because that's not very nice." I was very warmed that he realised that what the boy was doing was wrong. This led to a discussion about the book and how the boy could return the kindness of the tree. Overall I think this is a beautiful true depiction of how the world can be and allows for great discussion between right and wrong, and feelings.

Shel has written this very endearing and popular story, which is thought-provoking on many layers. It appeals to all ages and has timeless messages. Great for teaching young children about appreciation, giving without receiving in return and beauty.Beautiful illustrations with gesture and facial expressions. Every library would benefit from several copies of this and his other books.

Beautiful little book. I've been reading this to my almost 3 year old. I wondered if he was too young to truly take in and understand the messages in the book. Today we walked past a tree stump and he insisted on going back to the stump to let it know he cared about it.Other reviewers have made the point about it also showing selfish behavioural traits in the boy. That it does. But if read in the right way and explained to the child, then if opens the door to understanding lots of different behaviours and the impact that they can have on others. You can use the book as a talking point to open a wider discussion on the negative impact selfishness makes.We also have a book called "Have You Filled A Bucket Today?" We often read both books in the same night and together they open up a wonderful discussion at an early age to the impact of our behaviours on others and how rewarding compassion truly is.I believe my son's response to the tree stump today highlights that.

Can’t believe I hadn’t discovered this book before now. A heart warming tale of generosity that inspires a love of nature. Four year olds can understand it, older children will get more from it, and it is so beautiful you can revisit this book time and again.