The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree, written by Shel Silverstein, tells the story of a relationship between a small boy and a tree in the forest with few words and simple drawings. The tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade and apple provider for the little chap. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy. But it gets more and more difficult to meet his increasingly demanding requests. His final wish is for a boat and the tree tells him to chop her down and make one from the wood. He does.

Since The Giving Tree was first published in 1964 it has generated controversy and opposing opinions for its interpreted messages - is the tree selfless or merely self sacrificing and is the boy selfish or reasonable in his demands? Either way The School Library Journal has ranked The Giving Tree in the top 100 books for children and it continues to intrigue generation after generation.