The Giving Tree 40th Anniversary Edition Book with CD
 | Average Customer Rating: Recommend "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… Product details and pricing info |
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619 Customer Reviews Posted
- true meaning
- To those who give this one star - you assume that all children will identify with the boy and replicate his actions as acceptable behavior. I know I have always identified with the tree. I personally think it was a children's book written with a philosophical adult audience in mind. It is a book that cannot just be read as is. It must be read and then discussed as to the deeper meaning of the story...the part of the story that is not written but must be taught and learned. If you can successfully convey the underlying message this book brings to light, your children will be be better people.
- 2008-03-21, 1 of 1 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- It's just not for me
- I'm always surprised at the amount of people who tell me they love this book. I hear them say over and over "it teaches children appreciation". I beg to differ I found this book upsetting (I realize I'm a sensitive person by nature) but the book has an air about it that feels negative and I've really thought about this cause I know how the book is in sorts controversial people always seem to be very parted about "The Giving tree" its a very black and white book you either love it or hate it. I see Shel's intention in the book by depicting this beautiful selfless tree who was the boys childhood friend I don't know how else to put it but through adulthood how he visits the tree and just seems to take and take it has a selfish feel to it, there are no thank-you's in fact I believe in some parts there's no words at all and maybe thats supposed to be some kind of beauty within itself but I never got that from the book so when people say "I didn't get it" maybe I didn't but if I don't how is my child supposed to it and like I said theres a negative air about it. This a children's book their supposed to be imaginative, inspiring, uplifting, unforgettable I love Shel Silverstein but "The Giving Tree" just felt more like "The Taking Tree". I had to make that point clear in a review cause I would have wanted to know it before I purchased it buying the right books for your children are one of the most important gifts you give. If I could in good taste regift this book I would. But who knows my advice is read it at the library first thats the best way to find what you get from it and what you don't.
- 2008-03-07, 8 of 18 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- It's Never Too Soon
- One of my "Top Ten" chidren's books. What a great book for teaching kids about appreciation at an early age! What does it mean to be truly thankful for a gift? The great lesson in this book is that you really can find joy through giving to others, and not seeking anything in return. I had to take a break tonight from reading "The Prince" for one of my kolege classis, to read my daughter a bedtime story. Machiavelli would have thought Shell Silverstein to be a fool; but Silverstein found the "truth" that had evaded Machiavelli his whole life - and he wrote it in such a way that even a child could understand. This journey isn't about fear, or power, or greed. It's about realizing that the other guy is trying to get through it just the same as you are, and that by helping the other guy, your life becomes that much more meaningful.
Peace. - 2008-03-01, 1 of 1 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- Classic Silverstein - Heartwarming Classic
- A heartwarming tale of the lifetime relationship between a boy and a tree. Teach important lessons of relationships to people of all ages. This is a must-have. It still touches my heart every time I read it.
- 2008-02-26, 2 of 3 people found this review helpful, Rated:
- growth
- There is no doubt that this literary expressinon- in the form of a poem- provides us with a lesson that will remain in our mind and heart for the rest of our life. The poem itself is a metaphor of growth being the latter a blend of generosity and selfishness . The tree would stand for generosity and the boy a symbol of self-centredness without any grief for the ones near him , not even his real friend -the tree .But love is perfect and so the giving tree never forgets the one that will always be in need of his care and protection, that is to say, the boy .
- 2008-02-16, 1 of 1 people found this review helpful, Rated:
