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The Giving Tree
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The Giving Tree (1964) (edit title/settings)

by Shel Silverstein (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

"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... read more

Summary edit see section history

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Illustrations by author
a tree loved this little boy and he did too and he started picking apples from it. The tree can talk and she did one time and the boy started eating her apples and swinging one her branches.then slide down her branches.

Characters edit see section history

  • The Tree: This tree provides what she can for the little boy throughout his entire life....until she has nothing left to give.
  • HEROESgifted: The friendly kid who receives things from the tree, but never gives anything to the tree in return.
  • Y. L.: The initials the boy carves in the tree next to his and surrounded by a heart.
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “And the tree was happy.”
  • “but not really.”

Setting & Locations edit see section history

The tree is the basic setting in this story, you hear about where the boy is going but you never really see these places

First Sentence edit see section history

Once there was a tree...

Themes & Symbolism edit see section history

  • Sacrifice: This story's theme is: It is great to give anything you can to those that need it more than you. It provides you with an amazing feeling, and you know that you help someone less fortunate than you are.

Errata edit see section history

A potential major theme is codependence. This book is perhaps more successful if read as an allegory for environmentalism rather than interpersonal relationships.

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 131 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (June 2010). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Brisingr, and followed by The Stand.

This is book 248 of 986 in 1001 Children's Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up. (authoritative list)

Preceded by Flat Stanley, and followed by Dailan Kifki.

This is book 116 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (June 2011). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Where the Wild Things Are, and followed by Crime and Punishment.

This is book 117 of 195 in Shelfari Most Popular (December 2011). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Uglies, and followed by Crime and Punishment.

This is book 117 of 194 in Shelfari Most Popular (December 2010). (authoritative list)

Preceded by Middlesex, and followed by The Tipping Point.

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Shel Silverstein (Author) - and Illustrator

Other Contributors:

  1. Janko Jeromen (Translator)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Harpercollins Childrens Books
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1964
ISBN: 0060256656
Page Count: 64

Classification edit see section history

  • Library of Congress: PZ7.S588 Gi
  • Dewey: 841.008'0364

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Ages 9-12

This book is sad. I read it to my 3 year old and she started to cry. It doesn't have a very happy ending, but it's still a lovely book. I think it is for older children and adults who can appreciate it for what it is. This book is for all ages, but maybe for young adults and adults than for young children.

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
  • A Light in the Attic
  • Falling Up
  • The Missing Piece
  • The Missing Piece Meets the Big O

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