The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
Summary
The Giving Tree is a story about a boy and a special tree. When the boy is young, he loves spending time climbing his favorite tree. He makes things from its branches and loves to eat its apples. This special tree is able to play with the boy each day, and the tree begins to love the boy just as the boy loves the tree. However, as the boy gets older, he begins to find other things to do with his time and begins to neglect the tree. Long periods elapse between the boy's visits, yet the tree is always happy to see him. Each time the boy comes back to the tree he is just looking for some way to use the tree in order to make money for himself believing that possessing things will make him happy. The tree willingly gives of himself until one day there is nothing left but a stump. The boy finally returns at the end of his life to find the tree still loves him and has been waiting for his return.
My Thoughts
I couldn't help but think about my grandma and grandparents in general while reading The Giving Tree. We all love the novelty of spending time with our grandparents when we are young. We take for granted that they love us unconditionally as the tree loved the boy. However, as we grow older and find more ways to spend our time, we sometimes neglect the ones who love us most. I'm sure many grandparents have felt a pang of sadness when they realize their grandchildren are mainly interested in the money and gifts they can provide. My grandma suffered many years from Alzheimer's, and while I know I didn't neglect her to the extent that the boy neglected the tree, I also know that I could have been there for her more. At the end of her life, much like the giving tree, she didn't have much left to give. She didn't always know who I was, but I took comfort in knowing she had loved me all my life, even on the days I probably didn't deserve it.
Reviews
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. --Publishers Weekly( April 14, 2003 )
Suggested Activities
Children would be provided with craft materials to draw the trunks and limbs of a tree. They would then cut out large leaves of different shapes. On each leaf the child would write the name of someone he/she loves to spend time with, and also write one or two ways they could show that person that they care about them.
Children could be asked to find two or three leaves to bring to story time. The children could compare leaves and talk about their similarities and differences. The librarian could facilitate a conversation about diversity.
by Shel Silverstein
Summary
The Giving Tree is a story about a boy and a special tree. When the boy is young, he loves spending time climbing his favorite tree. He makes things from its branches and loves to eat its apples. This special tree is able to play with the boy each day, and the tree begins to love the boy just as the boy loves the tree. However, as the boy gets older, he begins to find other things to do with his time and begins to neglect the tree. Long periods elapse between the boy's visits, yet the tree is always happy to see him. Each time the boy comes back to the tree he is just looking for some way to use the tree in order to make money for himself believing that possessing things will make him happy. The tree willingly gives of himself until one day there is nothing left but a stump. The boy finally returns at the end of his life to find the tree still loves him and has been waiting for his return.
My Thoughts
I couldn't help but think about my grandma and grandparents in general while reading The Giving Tree. We all love the novelty of spending time with our grandparents when we are young. We take for granted that they love us unconditionally as the tree loved the boy. However, as we grow older and find more ways to spend our time, we sometimes neglect the ones who love us most. I'm sure many grandparents have felt a pang of sadness when they realize their grandchildren are mainly interested in the money and gifts they can provide. My grandma suffered many years from Alzheimer's, and while I know I didn't neglect her to the extent that the boy neglected the tree, I also know that I could have been there for her more. At the end of her life, much like the giving tree, she didn't have much left to give. She didn't always know who I was, but I took comfort in knowing she had loved me all my life, even on the days I probably didn't deserve it.
Reviews
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. --Publishers Weekly( April 14, 2003 )
Suggested Activities
Children would be provided with craft materials to draw the trunks and limbs of a tree. They would then cut out large leaves of different shapes. On each leaf the child would write the name of someone he/she loves to spend time with, and also write one or two ways they could show that person that they care about them.
Children could be asked to find two or three leaves to bring to story time. The children could compare leaves and talk about their similarities and differences. The librarian could facilitate a conversation about diversity.
