Module 1 - The Giving Tree

Citation: Silverstein, S. (1964). The giving tree. New York, NY: Harper & Row.

Book Summary: This book tells the story of a little boy who grows up and visits a certain tree each day.  He gathers leaves, plays games, climbs the tree, uses it for shade, and eats the apples produced by the tree. As the boy grows older, he falls in love and starts to visit the tree less frequently.  The tree calls out to the boy, now man, and asks him to come and enjoy some of the activities of his youth, but he responds that he is too big and instead requests money.  The tree gives the man her apples to sell.  When the man is a little older, he returns to the tree, this time needing a house.  The tree offers the man her branches to use to build a house.  After many more years, the man returns and wants a boat.  The tree allows him to cut down her trunk to build a boat.  The tree is reduced to a mere stump with nothing left to offer the man.  The aging old man returns several years later, and the tree informs him she has nothing left to give.  The boy replies that all he needs is a place to relax, and he sits down to rest on the stump.  

My Impressions: This is a very simple story, but I think it is a story to which readers can easily relate.  I like the simple illustrations and I think they suit this book well.  While it is written as a children's book, I think adults can appreciate this book more than children.  

Professional Review: The Giving Tree shares the story of a young boy and his lifetime relationship with a certain apple tree. But it is much more than that. It is also a story of giving (and taking or receiving), friendship, happiness, loyalty, sacrifice, gratitude, happiness, and most importantly—love. The tree ultimately gives everything for the boy without receiving much in return. The theme or message of the book has been interpreted in many different ways. It can be very simply understood by a second grader, or an adult can search for a deeper meaning.

Brodie, C. (2009, September)  The giving tree by Shel Silverstein - a forty-five year celebration.  [Review of the book The giving tree, by S. Silverstein].  School Library Monthly 26(1), page 22.

Library Uses: This would be a good book for a story time.  The librarian could ask children about anything that is special to them in the same way that the tree is special to the boy in the story.