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The Giving Tree Hardcover – 2 Dec. 2010
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As recommended by Meghan Markle as the one book she can't wait to share with her child - the timeless fable about the gift of love
Once there was a little tree ... and she loved a little boy.
So begins the classic bestseller, 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 tree gave and gave and gave.
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
- Reading age4 - 17 years
- Print length64 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions22.3 x 17.9 x 0.39 cm
- PublisherParticular Books
- Publication date2 Dec. 2010
- ISBN-101846143837
- ISBN-13978-1846143830
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Resonates beyond words ― Guardian
Wry, humorous ... his poems share the same anarchic spirit as Spike Milligan ― Independent
That rare adult who can still think like a child ― The New York Times
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About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Particular Books; 1st edition (2 Dec. 2010)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 64 pages
- ISBN-10 : 1846143837
- ISBN-13 : 978-1846143830
- Reading age : 4 - 17 years
- Dimensions : 22.3 x 17.9 x 0.39 cm
- Best Sellers Rank: 7,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer reviews:
About the author
"And now, children, your Uncle Shelby is going to tell you a story about a very strange lion- in fact, the strangest lion I have ever met." So begins Shel Silverstein's very first children's book, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. It's funny and sad and has made readers laugh and think since it was published in 1963. It was followed the next year by three more books. The first of them, The Giving Tree, is a moving story about the love of a tree for a boy. Shel returned to humor the same year with A Giraffe and a Half, delighting readers with a most riotous ending. The third book in 1964 was Uncle Shelby's Zoo Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies, Shel's first poetry collection, and his first and only book illustrated in full color. It combined his unique imagination and bold brand of humor in this collection of silly and scary creatures. Shel's second collection of poems and drawings, Where the Sidewalk Ends, was published in 1974. His recording of the poems won him a Grammy for best Children's Album. In this collection, Shel invited children to dream and dare to imagine the impossible, from a hippopotamus sandwich to the longest nose in the world. With his next collection of poems and drawings, A Light in the Attic, published in 1981, Shel asked his readers to turn the light on in their attics, to put something silly in the world, and not to be discouraged by the Whatifs. Instead he urged readers to catch the moon or invite a dinosaur to dinner- to have fun! A Light in the Attic was the first children's book to break onto the New York Times Bestseller List, where it stayed for a record-breaking 182 weeks. The last book that was published before his death in 1999 was Falling Up (1996). Like his other books, it is filled with unforgettable characters. Shel Silverstein's legacy continued with the release of a new work,Runny Babbit, the first posthumous publication conceived and completed before his death and released in March 2005. Witty and wondrous, Runny Babbit is a poetry collection of simple spoonerismsH, which twist the tongue and tease the mind. Don't Bump the Glump! And Other Fantasies was recently reissued in 2008 after being unavailable for over 30 years. Shel was always a believer in letting his work do the talking for him--few authors have ever done it better.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story touching and simple. They appreciate the heartwarming message about kindness and appreciation. Readers describe the book as a lovely, well-written read for children. The illustrations are described as beautiful and charming.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the story. They find it simple and well-illustrated, with minimalist illustrations that add depth to the narrative. The book is described as touching, a favorite of readers, and a great work.
"...Silverstein’s illustrations are minimalist but add depth to the narrative, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the story...." Read more
"...That by my reckoning is the sign of a great work My 4 year old daughter enjys it too, but not quite on the same level" Read more
"A classic story, a must for young and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to..." Read more
"A very simple story which, even on a literal level is nice for children to read...." Read more
Customers find the book's message heartwarming and classic. They appreciate the messages about kindness, appreciation, forgiveness, selfless love, and a deep moral. The book helps build conscientious and empathetic qualities in young readers, providing a caring and loving foundation.
"...It’s a touching metaphor about unconditional love and the passage of time, offering valuable lessons about gratitude and selflessness...." Read more
"...I think of myself as somewhat more reserved, but yet found it surprisingly powerful ( I just had some grit in my eye, OK!)..." Read more
"...and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to sacrifice your all for another person..." Read more
"...opportunity to discuss not only the concept of parenthood, but of generosity, unselfishness, gratitude, unconditional love...." Read more
Customers find the book suitable for children. They say it teaches children about being nice to others, appreciation, and giving without receiving in return. The book is beautifully written and easy for young children to understand. It's considered one of the best children's moral storybooks that has ever been read. Readers also mention it's a touching story with a beautiful underlying message for all ages.
"...Shel Silverstein’s simple yet powerful writing and illustrations deliver a moving story about the nature of giving, selflessness, and love...." Read more
"A classic story, a must for young and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to..." Read more
"A very simple story which, even on a literal level is nice for children to read...." Read more
"...Beautiful story about life, growing up and what we give to our children - everything we possibly can. You will love it. Just get it!" Read more
Customers enjoy the illustrations in the book. They find the depiction of the world beautiful and charming. The minimalistic, simplistic drawings resonate with readers, bringing the life stories of the tree and boy together beautifully.
"...Shel Silverstein’s simple yet powerful writing and illustrations deliver a moving story about the nature of giving, selflessness, and love...." Read more
"...Overall I think this is a beautiful true depiction of how the world can be and allows for great discussion between right and wrong, and feelings." Read more
"Beautiful little book. I've been reading this to my almost 3 year old...." Read more
"...It is so beautifully written. There are a few reviews that gave it one star, because they thought it was too depressing for young children...." Read more
Customers find the book a valuable gift. They say it's timeless and a perfect gift for mothers of all ages. It is a must-have for a well-rounded child's library.
"...anyone doesn't know this book - it is beautiful and a must for a well-rounded child's library...." Read more
"This book is suitable for a present for a newborn, a gift for a wedding or a treasured gift. It is timeless, we love it" Read more
"Gorgeous book. Makes me cry. A child's book but a perfect gift for mother's of all ages." Read more
"Unmissable. Every family should have a copy, and hand it down, frequently read and loved." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read. They say it's a simple and beautiful tale that is easy for children and thought-provoking for adults.
"...Easy to follow and could generate interesting chats and discussions" Read more
"...a bundle of laughs but the illustrations and text are very moving and simple in explaining that life is often sad and full of hurt and regret, but..." Read more
"very simple nice story but thought provoking, easy for children and deep for adults. I recommend it to all parents" Read more
"I cannot read this book without crying. It is a simple and truly beautiful little tale. Recommend but be prepared to be moved!" Read more
Reviews with images
Poor quality - thin pages you can see through
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 September 2024Confession - I cry every time when I read this book 🫣
The Giving Tree is a beautiful, thought-provoking tale that speaks to readers of all ages. Shel Silverstein’s simple yet powerful writing and illustrations deliver a moving story about the nature of giving, selflessness, and love.
The story revolves around the relationship between a boy and a tree. As the boy grows, the tree selflessly gives everything it has to make him happy. It’s a touching metaphor about unconditional love and the passage of time, offering valuable lessons about gratitude and selflessness.
Silverstein’s illustrations are minimalist but add depth to the narrative, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the story. Although some readers may interpret the ending as bittersweet or even sad, it opens up meaningful conversations about the balance between giving and receiving.
Whether you're a parent reading to a child, or an adult revisiting the tale, The Giving Tree remains a timeless, emotionally resonant experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that’s as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 January 2014I had never heard of this book and was drawn to it by the strength of feeling it clearly generates judging by other reviews. My wife read it on Christmas day and burst into tears at the end ( I dont think it was the alcohol?). I think of myself as somewhat more reserved, but yet found it surprisingly powerful ( I just had some grit in my eye, OK!) The story allows you to project your own deeply personal interpretation onto the simple narrative and that is its beauty
Many of those who have given this book poor reviews seem to have done so because they object to the morality of the characters, nevertheless they have been clearly been moved and even disturbed by it. That by my reckoning is the sign of a great work
My 4 year old daughter enjys it too, but not quite on the same level
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 July 2020A classic story, a must for young and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to sacrifice your all for another person, giving is a two way experience whether in showing kindness or paying to forward or giving back. Easy to follow and could generate interesting chats and discussions
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 October 2019A very simple story which, even on a literal level is nice for children to read. On a deeper level it gives opportunity to discuss not only the concept of parenthood, but of generosity, unselfishness, gratitude, unconditional love.
I bought it for my children when they were young, but have now bought it again for them as adult parents themselves, so that they can share it with my Grandchildren/their children
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 27 November 2014This is the first time I have ever wrote a review on amazon. However this book moved me to tears and the reaction of my 4 yr old after reading this book to him compelled me to do so... You will find that all of the negative reviewers on this book are disturbed or saddened by this story. However the opinion that this book gives your child a bad message is not quite true... After reading the book to my little boy he asked if we could go and see the tree? I told him that we could go and see a tree like that one. He said "We can climb it and play on it, but we won't make it into a boat, because that's not very nice." I was very warmed that he realised that what the boy was doing was wrong. This led to a discussion about the book and how the boy could return the kindness of the tree. Overall I think this is a beautiful true depiction of how the world can be and allows for great discussion between right and wrong, and feelings.
- Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 20 January 2012I must respectfully disagree with those who have said this book is NOT for children. I have taught for nearly a decade, to both young and older children and I have found this particular book very useful and helpful both in message and deed.
Children need to understand that their desires, such as demonstrated by the boy, whom many of them will be able to relate to on some level depending on their age, can be selfish, only looking inward rather than outward to others' generosity. It is an excellent teacher of self-reflection for the young and old alike. It makes children think on so many levels and according to their understand and experience of the world to that point. As I have experienced, this is one of those books that sometimes sits and stirs in the sub-concious for many years, with past students coming back saying, "oh my, I didnt realise!" and thanking me for introducing them to this book.
Someone once said to me in an academic setting that learning is painful. The responsible adult (parent/ teacher/ guardian/ mentor) teaches all facets of human emotion and behaviours-- not just the ones we would have our children demonstrate themselves, but those we would have them not demonstrate so that they can recognise those negative behaviours in others and at times themselves and correct it according to their conscious.
Help build conscientious, empathetic qualities in the little people in your lives and guide them starting with the invaluable message in this book.
Top reviews from other countries
- REAL12Reviewed in Canada on 13 November 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book for kids and adults.
This book always makes me tear at the end for some reason. I find that the story tells a tale of our mortality and in giving of ourselves for me. His other books are equally great! Where the sidewalk ends was a fave as a child!
- New GardnerReviewed in the United States on 18 October 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Sweet sweet book. Every parent should buy this for their children.
This book is about a tree that gives and gives and gives (like a parent) to a child. The child moves away... the tree gave up so much to the boy through life, even his wood.. till there's nothing left but a stump. When all is said and done, the boy still loves the tree that gave him so much fun and pleasure and product in life. In the end the boy, now an old man, comes back to visit and reminisce of all that the tree provided & his youthful times growing up playing in the tree. This book makes me cry every time I read it and I've read it to my kids and my grandkids and I still cry. It's such a tender sweet book. I bought this at birth so parents could start reading it to the kids and have it when they're 2 and 3 years old. We start reading to children early.
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Gabriele barbosaReviewed in Brazil on 27 February 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars nao lemos ainda
vamos ler
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Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on 3 July 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Precioso libro
Precioso libro para niños
- Nina HopewellReviewed in Germany on 5 April 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Classic
I bought this for my 2 year old daughter and even tho she's so little, she loves the book. This will last us for years, since the story is so timeless