The Giving Tree

By Shel Silverstein

A tree and a young boy form a deep bond as the boy grows up and the tree provides for him in various ways.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.4/5 Goodreads · 1,258,444 ratings

64 pages· 617 words· Est. 5 min read-aloud

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Bookroo's summary

In a timeless tale, a tree loves a boy unconditionally, offering her apples, branches, and trunk. As the boy grows, his demands increase, and the tree gives selflessly. This poignant story explores the depths of giving and the bittersweet nature of love, leaving readers to ponder: How much can one give, and what is the true cost of love?

From the publisher

‘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…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. Ages 10+

At a glance

Format
Pages: 64
Words: 617
Reading age: 6–8
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 530L

Themes & topics

Books about trees Books about feelings and emotions Books about social themes Books about values and virtues Books about generosity and giving

Inside the book

A peek between the covers

Good to know

Stories behind the story

How many copies of The Giving Tree have been sold?

First published in 1964 by Harper & Row, over 5.6 million copies had been sold by 2001. As of 2014, over ten million copies had been sold.

What is The Giving Tree about?

There’s a lot of controversy in reviews for The Giving Tree. While it's definitely a book about giving, as it's title suggests, readers are torn about the book's subject being selflessness or selfishness. This New York Times Parenting article suggests reading the book with the overarching message that "giving doesn’t have to be a sad act of sacrifice — something you have to do at your own expense. It can be a joy — something you choose to do for the benefit of others." Other interpretations include the tree representing Jesus Christ, the tree representing parents who aren't thanked for all they sacrifice for their children, and the tree representing Mother Nature.

Did any popular media sources review The Giving Tree?

From Brightly, a resource for readers and a partner with Penguin Random House: "If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves — and for good reason. This classic is always a good place to start." The Giving Tree has also been ranked #3 on Goodreads’ list of Best Children’s Books since 2013.

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“I remember loving this book growing up. I'm sure my mother read it to me and explained how the tree is a wonderful example of selflessness, which I completely agree with! After reading it again as an adult, I didn't love it as much as I thought I would. It had a more melancholy feel to it, as the tree just gave and gave until it had nothing more to give. I wished the boy in the story would come to his senses, realize what the tree was doing for him, and give something back in return. I felt a little frustrated by the story, but that's why I think it's a great book--it made me feel for the tree. When I read this with little ones, it will spark a great discussion about how the boy could have been better by recognizing what the tree gave up for him and trying to give back.”

B is for Bookworm

Trusted reviewer

“If you ask parents to think of a children’s book about generosity, “The Giving Tree” is usually the first — and often the only — one they can name. But here’s the thing: It’s not really about generosity. It’s a book about self-sacrifice — and those are two very different things. Giving doesn’t have to be a sad act of sacrifice — something you have to do at your own expense. It can be a joy — something you choose to do for the benefit of others.”

New York Times Parenting

Critic

For readers who can't stop at one