Module One: The Giving Tree by Shel  Silverstein                            

Bibliography

Silverstein, S. (1964). The giving tree. New York, NY: Harper & Row, Publishers.

Summary

This is the story of a boy and his relationship with an apple tree, and how that relationship evolves with time. At first, the two are inseparable. The boy spends countless afternoons gathering her leaves for crowns, playing hide-and-go-seek, and swinging from her branches.  As time passes, however, their relationship changes. The boy becomes a man and, as he ages, spends less and less time with the tree. The older he gets, the more self-centered he becomes. Meanwhile, the tree remains generous throughout, giving all that she can to please the boy because of the love she has for him.

 

My Impression

Without fail, Silverstein's book makes me cry every time I read it. The level of emotion that is conveyed through so few words and sparse illustrations is amazing. The story starts out so simply with a loving give-and-take between boy and tree. Their relationship is on even footing at first, but becomes more boy-centric with time. The transition between boyhood and young adulthood is the most heartbreaking for the reader. Whereas once he carved only his and the tree's initials in its trunk, this changes as he grows and falls in love with a girl. Despite this, the apple tree remains faithful throughout, regardless of how infrequently the boy visits and how selfish his concerns become. Eventually, their relationship comes full circle as the boy becomes an old man with simple needs. Like its characters, this special story is appropriate for children and adults alike, and contains a wonderful message about the importance of friendship.

 

Review

 School Library Monthly
"'Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy.'

Thus begins one of the best-known and most memorable stories from the last forty-five years -- The Giving Tree, written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein. It was first published in 1964 (HarperCollins). At first it was rejected by publishers because of concerns that it fell somewhere between children and adults' literature. It has since, however, been embraced by various audiences and has remained in print almost the entire time since its first publication. A fortieth anniversary edition was released in 2004 that includes a CD of the poetry performed by Silverstein.

The Giving Tree shares the story of a young boy and his lifetime relationship with a certain apple tree. But it is much more than that It is also a story of giving (and taking or receiving), friendship, happiness, loyalty, sacrifice, gratitude, happiness, and most importantly -- love. The tree ultimately gives everything for the boy without receiving much in return. The theme or message of the book has been interpreted in many different ways. It can be very simply understood by a second grader, or an adult can search for a deeper meaning."

Use in Library Setting

The Giving Tree would be a interesting choice to use for a discussion with middle school-aged kids about the importance of friendship and loyalty, and how far they are willing to go to remain loyal to a friend. Is there a point at which loyalty turns into a negative trait? Can a person's own needs and wants get lost in a continual outpouring of generosity?

Also, this book could be used in an exercise (for the same age group or slightly younger) about how much can be conveyed in a simple illustration. The children could try drawing their own pictures in an attempt to show concepts and/or emotions.


Brodie, C. S. (2009). The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein--A forty-five year celebration. [Review of the book The Giving Tree]. School Library Monthly, 26(1), 22-24.

Image from http://www.amazon.com/The-Giving-Tree-Shel-Silverstein/dp/0060256656