“Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy…” begins this beautifully crafted story written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. When the boy is young, he and the tree enjoy happy times together, as he gathers her leaves and swings from her branches. Eventually, the boy grows too old for play and begins to concern himself with more grown-up pursuits, like earning a living and raising a family. And in a spirit of true love and selflessness, the tree gives the boy everything she has in order to make his dreams come true.
“Charming and very moving, [this] classic carries messages of grown-up truth,” writes the Los Angeles Times about this beloved story and its telling portrayal of generosity and sharing. (All ages).
Hardcover : 64 pages
Publisher: Harper Collins ( October 07, 1964 )
Item #: 10-288456
ISBN: 9780060256654
Product Dimensions: 7.0 x 8.75 x 0.4inches
Product Weight: 13.0 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

I love this story. I think it is sad but I disagree with the people who gave it a bad rating. They apparently don't get the significance of the teachings in the story. It teaches a great lesson about someone who took way too much and was not giving back through out his life. I believe in the end he realized the error of his ways. He always came back to the one that loved him unconditionally. I hope it teaches people of all ages not to be so demanding without regarding the outcome of their demands. I think metaphorically it suggests selfishness of people who give nothing back and expect everything given to them. I thing ages 10 and up would appreciate the moral of this story much better. But I think it is excellent. It reminds me of the Prodigal son.
Reviewer: Deborah W
I love the fact that it has not only a moral but that it hopefully teaches children the value of not asking for much, not to be so selfish and ungrateful. The boy all through his life only asked for things until the tree had nothing left. He never thanked the tree or did anything for the tree in return. But the tree loved him anyway. No matter what we are there for our children and grandchildren sometimes until we have nothing left. But we love them anyway. I hope this teaches them to not expect everything and to appreciate the things they have been given. To learn that material things are not what matter in the end. A+ to the author
Reviewer: Rusell L
It Teaches a Lesson that Every Child Should have the Gift in Them. Makes me want to purchase his other books to see what wonderful stories he has to offer.
Reviewer: Robert
this is a wonderful book,i bought it for my grandson who is 5. it's a sad story but it really makes you thank sometimes how selfish we can be to each other. much read for all ages.
Reviewer: jeanetta
Early on I noticed my children were becoming a lot like me; full of love. Not that this has ever been a bad thing to pass on to children but I worried for them. I worried because there is only so much you can give of yourself before you have nothing left to give. "The Giving Tree" demonstrates this fact. I wanted my children to have a book that showed them what happens when you love so much that you give all you have, I wanted them to know that a person who returns that love equally will come back in the end and give you their all as well. It's a very moving child's book with inspirational morals, hidden in the leaves and branches of a very giving tree.
Reviewer: Kandice B
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