The Giving Tree Reviews

This book is great for all ages. As I was read this book as a child, I enjoyed the pictures and the story. As an adult this books speaks volumes about what it means to give to someone else and what happens when it is taken too far. I have noticed that other people have marked this book "depressing," but I feel that not all themes are uplifting. It shows that sometimes we ask too much of others to the detriment of them and us. A great way to speak to children about being more self-reliant as they… read full review »

The greatest lesson about giving ever written.  I know a lot of people think it's about being selfish, but it's not called The Taking Boy, it's The Giving Tree.  The tree is happy to give, and even when it seems there is nothing left to give, the Tree can still be happy by just giving the gift of Being There for someone else. — I've given away dozens of copies of this book over the years (and only one copy to a child).  I usually add a copy to a wedding gift, because I think it's an important lesson for any couple starting out together. — Shel was a genius! … read full review »

I cannot say that I remember this book from childhood but I found it rather as an adult about to welcome a baby into the world and I fell in love.  It is such an intense story about the power of love.  A power that makes you give everything possible for the happiness of others. But it is also about how people can be blind for a long time, until one day they realize that you have given your everything.  It shows how life can be, not always pleasant and Disney like.  Of course the calm narrative and soothing pictures help make this a wonderful bedtime story to all five of my… read full review »

This is a story I have loved since my childhood and It was encouraged by my fourth grade teacher who would read to us. I'm concerned that I read reviews here of people not liking it because it teaches "co-dependency" and morals. I think these are cases of adults over thinking and bringing their own issues into the story. Protecting children is the responsibillity of adults. I just hope that adults reaize when they are taking it too far and that they have friends who will stand up and tell them so. I certainly have nothing but fondness for Shel Silverstein's… read full review »

I remember reading this book as a child, and I was delighted to find it showcased at my local bookstore.  My little girl loves this book as much as I did. — The friendship between the boy and the tree may be a tad depressing, but it is a life lesson that children need to learn - that you cannot just give, give, give or take, take, take, there must be a balance between the two.  And even when you think you have nothing, you always have yourself. — The illustrations are fantastic, and I recommend this book to anyone with kids… read full review »

The Giving Tree is a classic book that should be in every person's library.  This book is simple and sweet in its lesson of caring.  It teaches that everyone has a purpose and should be thanked for their contributions to society. — When I was a child, my parish priest used this book as the basis of a sermon.  The subject was about giving and caring.  He could not have picked a better book.  READ THIS AND LEARN FROM IT!  The world will be a better place. — … read full review »

This is a book I'd read as a child, and a book I'll read to my children.  The story of the  Giving Tree who shares all she has with the little boy she loves is an excellent example of selfless love.  Children will learn by example how very sad it is when a relationship is thoroughly one-sided, and how much more satisfying for both parties it is when everyone gives.  The illustrations are lovely, and the story is simple enough for even a young child to read… read full review »

This is an excellent book!  Though some may see it negatively due to the boy constantly taking from the tree, it is really about the tree itself.  The tree gives to the boy throughout his lifetime.  Even at the end, when it seems he has nothing left to give, the tree still finds something to offer.  This book teaches an important lesson on giving.  Though you may not have much, you still can offer something to those in need. … read full review »

This book has such a great story for everyone whether they are 2 or 102. It is all about giving - caring and loving.  I was exposed to this book at high school graduations at the school that my grandchildren attend.  It is a book that is read from cover to cover at each high school graduation every year.  Graduation would not be the same without the reading of it. … read full review »

This book is a wonderful example of Jesus Whom gave His live for ours.  Jesus gave all he had and is happy when we lay all our worldly busyness down and rest on Jesus.  My youngest has me read him that book over and over.  We never get tired of the love of the tree.  The Giving Tree is also a great example of a mother's love for her child.  I love this… read full review »

when i read this book i was stying over at my pastors house because my parents where on an anniversary date and his duahter and i were reading books i wanted to be so much like her and she loved this book and you know that is where i learned to love ppl and to share the shirt of my back besides the bible this was my favorite book oh and i never got close to being that girl… read full review »

when i read this book i was stying over at my pastors house because my parents where on an anniversary date and his duahter and i were reading books i wanted to be so much like her and she loved this book and you know that is where i learned to love ppl and to share the shirt of my back besides the bible this was my favorite book oh and i never got close to being that girl… read full review »

Some think this is too heavy a book for kids.  I feel kids can enjoy this book on MANY levels from the gorgeous illustrations, to the interesting evolution of a friendship between a boy and a tree, and eventually to the deeper message. In the beginning it may just be an enjoyable tale but I do appresciate the benefit and sensitivity-building that can come as well. … read full review »