The Giving Tree

Shel Silverstein (1964), 56 pages

Audience: All ages

Format: picture book

Silverstein uses sparse words and simple ink drawings to generate a simple yet poignant book. “Once there was a tree … and she loved a little boy” … So begins a lifelong relationship between tree and boy. As the young boy grows from a carefree child to an elderly old man his demands and needs increase, but the tree’s love never tires. With a somewhat sad and contemplative ending this is not your typical fairytale; this story is the ultimate lesson of give and take especially when it comes to conservationism. Your child's library is not complete without this book, so “branch out” and read this book.

For an activity accompaniment, have children look outside in the backyard or at a local park and find fallen leaves. Trace the outer edges and see how many different leave-shapes you can collect; older children may want to do a rubbing with paper and pencil.

Reviewed by: Katharine Quinn, SJSU MLIS Student

If you liked this book, you may like: The Dandelion Seed by Joseph Anthony or Where Once There was a Wood by Denise Fleming

Other books by this author: A Giraffe and a Half, The Missing Piece, and Where the Sidewalk Ends