The Giving Tree

Author: Shell Silverstein
Copyright Date: 1964
Publisher: Harper & Row
Number of Pages: 64
Reading Level: Ages 5 & Up
Genre: Fable

Summary
This story is of the lifelong journey between a boy and a tree. The beginning of the story is when the boy is young. He plays on and with the tree, he always has so much fun, and they both loved each other very much. As he grows older, the tree becomes more lonely because the boy isn't always there. He comes back to the tree to visit sometimes, but he only wants things, and the tree gives. He wants money, so she gives him her apples to sell. He wants a house, so she gives him his branches to build it with. He wants a boat so he can sail away, so she gives him her trunk. Each time, the tree gives to the boy so he will be happy, and it makes her happy. Towards the end of the book and the boy's life, he once again comes to visit the tree. All that's left of the tree is her trunk, and when he comes she's so excited yet sad that she has nothing left to give to him. The boy is tired, and all he wants is a place to sit and rest, so she lets him sit on her stump, and the tree was happy.

Reaction
When I first read this book, I thought it was an absolutely adorable little story. It speaks of true, lasting love and the things that go along with it. Giving. The tree is always giving to the boy and he always takes, not always giving anything back. Despite this, giving to the boy makes the tree happy. I think we can take a lot from this story--learn to love and to give, and to not be selfish.

Recommendations
I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone of all ages. We can all learn a great lesson from it.

Problems/Conflicts
There were no problems or conflicts in this book.