There are not many books for this age group that the parent gets more out if it than the child.

The Giving tree is an great story that is hard for young ones to comprehend the first time through, but still fun to hear. As you read it over and over to them will understand and appreciate it more.

This has many similarities to stories like Dr. Suess' "The Lorax"

Stories like these are inspirations for content I create on the [...] storybooks site.

I have used Amazon for many purchases and have been very pleased with the service. They are right on target and I haven't had a problem at all.

It's a book about giving selflessly which we all need to learn to do in a society where everything is give to get. It is a highly benign book that delivers a good message on a multiple levels. A boy, (a spoiled brat) asks for bigger things each time until finally the tree says it has nothing to offer but everything, a place for a rest.

I believe this book is not a children's book that you leave behind as you grow-up but a book that you grow-up with. I'm in my mid-30's reading this book to my daughter as did my mom when I was their age. But I'm more impacted by this book now then when I was my daughter's age of 3 because that now I understand more about life. I know it's going to have a different impact when I'm 50 or 60 and until when I'm so old that all I need is a place of rest.

Ever since the book was published, there was controversy for its interpreted messages, for portraying a vicious, one-sided relationship between the tree and the boy; with the tree as the selfless giver and the boy as a greedy and never-satisfied being who constantly receives, yet never gives anything back to the tree. Everyone wants to be the `tree' and not the boy, but in fact, the `boy' is a reflection of us which we avoid admitting.

We, at any age, can learn from this book. We might fall into a loop-hole where we try to justify our selfish motives to `succeed' when put under scrutiny. In the end, if everyone tries to live like the `tree' we would rest knowing that we succeeded in this life.

"Sophomore year I entered your classroom playing the role of a student," she wrote. "I will never forget that red-headed teacher that pushed me to do a little more...."

This is part of the inscription that Allison wrote inside the front cover of "The Giving Tree." I had Allison as a student for three years in three different subjects. She presented this book to me at the end of her senior year. "You are the Giving Tree," she said. Read every word of this book because it is about you and me." I cried, of course, as I read the book.

In his complete innocence a little boy loves a tree for herself. Generously, she returns his love through gifts of self: her leaves for laurel crowns, her branches as a swing, her apples as food, games, rest. But time changes things. The boy turns his heart to love of girls, money, a house, a boat, and finally a simple place to rest.

Although his art is simple, Shel Silverstein's ideas are profound. This tree has given her all, everything, her totality to this child. Just think of this tree as mother, grandmother, teacher, and any other selfless adult in a child's life.

For that selflessness and because Allison celebrated mine, I dedicate this review to all the teachers who care and give selflessly of themselves. This is appropriate at the end of another school year when teachers are utterly exhausted. But by the end of summer they will throw themselves completely into teaching your children once again, refreshed physically and mentally, rejuvenated to their purpose, and eager to embrace their destiny: teaching your children whom they hold dear.

Have you ever wanted to learn more about how to be a true friend? Well, have I got a book for you! I recently read the fiction book The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. The characters are a boy (who grows old) and a tree that might be in the boy's backyard. The boy and the tree have a friendship that lasts over a lifetime. The tree gives the boy all that he needs, and she is happy when he is happy. By reading this book, I learned how important it is to appreciate your friends. I recommend this book to people who already appreciate their friends, because they know that true friendships can last a lifetime.

Have loved this book since I was little. Recently purchased for my son (2), as I hope he too will love it as much as I did.

The Giving Tree is full of simple illustrations. The book begins with the introduction of a little boy's favorite tree that serves him as a leafy playground, and provider of shade and apples. The tree enjoys giving to the boy because as it makes him happy, it makes the tree happy to give. As the boy grows older, however, it is harder to provide for his needs. When the boy needs money, the tree offers for him to sell her apples, when he asks for a house, she offers her branches to build with. In the end the boy uses the trunk for the wood to make himself a boat and at this point in the story all that is left is a pathetic solitary stump cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." In the end the old boy comes back to the tree and the tree has nothing left to offer him, so she thinks. But all the boy wants is a place to sit. This book is a great way to teach the sequence of age to students. As the author wrote the story, the boy and the tree grew during the duration of the book. The story also has some repetitive text which will be good for young children if they are new readers. This is a wonderful book and a great one to share with children and adults as well.

Be careful when you read it, have tissues nearby. Does it every time. I story with great morals, and great illustrations accompany.

When I was a child, I always wanted to be the child who would give up anything so another child could have it. The Giving tree by Shel Silverstein was such an inspiration to me. In all situations that we may face as we are younger and grow older, we always have that one person who will be there for you to give you a helping hand, give you some advice, show you what you need to do and just be there if you needed a hug. It really taught me that. I will never forget this book because it is still do amazing to me. All of the young kids whom I have read it to have enjoyed this book and those who havent yet read this will Love it

This book is so sweet and touching. It has always made me cry, but more so now that I am a parent. I've never met anyone that didn't love this book, but that could just be a testament to the kind of company I keep.

I remmeber this book from my childhood. My mother didn't care for it at all however, she didn't depend on a book to raise me either. I agree with the selfish boy who takes and takes and takes. But when he's grown old and the tree can give him nothing else but a place to sit he realizes what he has done. As for the tree "not really being happy", of course cause the boy left the tree. I don't see any abusive realationship, any submissive women, none of that in this book. I see a kid being a typical kid, thinking of themselves, growing up, falling back on the one soul that loved him unconditionaly no matter what he did (right or wrong), growing old, going to his oldest love, realizing what he's done over the years and with no other way to show it, spends time with his tree. He's too old to do anything more than just be with the tree. It still makes me cry. The tree loved him so much and when he finally did grow up the tree had nothing left. The thing that tree did to was forgive, this is what I remmeber it said to me. Since we are all human and selfish at some point in our lives. It's not a horrible book. It's sad. It's life. I don't understand why every book has to have a deeper meaning to be worthy. Doesn't anybody read for fun? Remember, you as the parent should be teaching right from wrong, not the book. And one other thing, it's a STORY about a tree.

This is one of my favorites! The only bad thing is that the author's scary picture is the entire back cover. Ugh... :)

This is one of the greatest children's books ever written. There should be a copy in every child's bookshelf. It makes a great gift for new parents.

I had to write a review because this is one of my favorite books of all time, and I was so shocked by the number of one star reviews. I think that the lesson of this story is to be more like the tree and less like the boy. This book demonstrates unconditional love, the type of love a mother shares with a child, and the way that love and giving changes over the course of one's life. I cannot say enough about this book and about how much I loved that tree when I was little and how much it taught me about the joy of giving to other people. This book truly taught me, at a young age, that there was reward and pleasure in making other people happy, especially unselfishly. I wish the people who gave it one star would look beyond the storyline and what they see as a "cycle of abuse" and see it through the lens of selflessness, generosity, and unconditional love.

this has to be on my all time favourites list. i tear up every time i read it. its a beautiful story about unconditional love, i'd say between a mother and a child. its great to see stories like this in today's society where what you 'really need to worry about' is people cheating you, someone ripping you off, not getting your fair share, etc.. society's so focused on the individual and selfishness is so celebrated that stories like this are refreshing to read and much needed in my opinion. to be honest i was surprised to see the negative reviews, but i guess that has to happen with widely read books, there's always a critic, and this is a good thing. but i would like to say in response that, yes the boy is taking from the tree and the tree never asks for anything, just offers everything, this is true. but, the reader takes on the perspective of the tree, the giver, and they experience this giving as something joyous, as an expression of love. when you love someone don't you want to do something to make them happy? and when someone gives you something you want or need, sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes not, isn't that a great feeling? to know that they care, sometimes enough to go out of their way, just for you? the boy never demands anything from the tree, the tree offers to make the boy happy, like a parent (or even a grandparent, anyone who cares really). parents do everything for their children, sometimes this goes unnoticed, but they continue to do it because they love their children with all that they are. you can definitely pick out abuse if you look for it, but only if you look for it, not if you take the story as it is. it is a story about loving no matter what, and it kind of makes me sad that some people take that as abuse, especially when the boy did nothing offensive or abusive. he just took what was offered.

it's a beautiful story, and i think everyone should read it at least once in their lives.

I have always loved this book but I think it's kinda too sad for little kids. Though maybe it's just me. I'm kinda sappy. It's an unforgettable, simply written, powerful story.

To those who give this one star - you assume that all children will identify with the boy and replicate his actions as acceptable behavior. I know I have always identified with the tree. I personally think it was a children's book written with a philosophical adult audience in mind. It is a book that cannot just be read as is. It must be read and then discussed as to the deeper meaning of the story...the part of the story that is not written but must be taught and learned. If you can successfully convey the underlying message this book brings to light, your children will be be better people.

I'm always surprised at the amount of people who tell me they love this book. I hear them say over and over "it teaches children appreciation". I beg to differ I found this book disturbing and the only thing I can see it teaching my child is to be selfish and UNappreciative. I see what Shel is trying to do here and maybe people feel ok about letting the tree give all of itself till the boy cuts it down to a mere stump. IS there even any thank you's in this book? UGH I don't know I couldn't dislike it more I really couldn't in fact after I checked it out of the library I purposely drove back the next day to get it out of our library pile so my child wouldn't mistakenly ask for it again.

One of my "Top Ten" chidren's books. What a great book for teaching kids about appreciation at an early age! What does it mean to be truly thankful for a gift? The great lesson in this book is that you really can find joy through giving to others, and not seeking anything in return. I had to take a break tonight from reading "The Prince" for one of my kolege classis, to read my daughter a bedtime story. Machiavelli would have thought Shell Silverstein to be a fool; but Silverstein found the "truth" that had evaded Machiavelli his whole life - and he wrote it in such a way that even a child could understand. This journey isn't about fear, or power, or greed. It's about realizing that the other guy is trying to get through it just the same as you are, and that by helping the other guy, your life becomes that much more meaningful.
Peace.

A heartwarming tale of the lifetime relationship between a boy and a tree. Teach important lessons of relationships to people of all ages. This is a must-have. It still touches my heart every time I read it.

There is no doubt that this literary expressinon- in the form of a poem- provides us with a lesson that will remain in our mind and heart for the rest of our life. The poem itself is a metaphor of growth being the latter a blend of generosity and selfishness . The tree would stand for generosity and the boy a symbol of self-centredness without any grief for the ones near him , not even his real friend -the tree .But love is perfect and so the giving tree never forgets the one that will always be in need of his care and protection, that is to say, the boy .

I can remember going to our school library when I was in gradeschool and being captivated by Shel Silverstein. This book inparticular I always had a soft spot for. on the surface this is a simple story about a boy and his tree, but acts also as a great analogy for parenting and the love a parent has for a child. The tree gives, gives, and gives, and couldnt be happier, as if this was its purpose in life, to provide for this boy. apples, wood, shade, and even a stump to sit on in the end. I wouldnt hesitate to give this to any child or parent as a gift.

this book is a classic, I bought it for my soon to be born grandaughter, remembering reading it to her father when he was young. After reading it again I think I will give it to my son and daughter-in-law, becuse when you are a parent you are __The Giving Tree.

This book would be a superior excerpt to read in a library to the children or in class or during Arbor Day even to adults to remind them that what they take, they need to try to give back. What you cut down, please plant to replace. This book brings the fact that even plant-life has a living, biological structure that is symbiotic and supports human and animal life and without one, the other could not exist. LLO'C

The Giving Tree is an allegory either about parenthood or about God. Either way, it is a beautiful story. A little disturbing, you say? Naturally. Such is life. Life's hard out there, people! Get a helmet.

And if I have to read one more review talking about how this is an allegory about environmentalism, I will scream. The apple tree is not representative of nature! And last time I checked, Mother Nature was not a particularly good mom. Do we use up resources like mad? Yes. Do we need to stop and think things through and change? Yes. But what the earth gives, the earth also takes away. Earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes...need I continue? The plague? AIDS? Is any of this ringing a bell?

The Giving Tree is an allegory for parenthood (and/or possibly God). Period. There is no environmental message.

And if you really think the point of having children is to be thanked for all the sacrifices you have made, don't become a parent. Being a parent--and giving out of love--is exactly like what the tree experiences. Is the boy selfish? Yes, but so are children and so are adults.

From Wikipedia:

As Timothy Jackson, a professor of Religious Studies at Stanford University put it:

" Is this a sad tale? Well, it is sad in the same way that life is sad. We are all needy, and, if we are lucky and any good, we grow old using others and getting used up. Tears fall in our lives like leaves from a tree. Our finitude is not something to be regretted or despised, however; it is what makes giving (and receiving) possible. The more you blame the boy, the more you have to fault human existence. The more you blame the tree, the more you have to fault the very idea of parenting. Should the tree's giving be contingent on the boy's gratitude? If it were, if fathers and mothers waited on reciprocity before caring for their young, then we would all be doomed. "

Amen, brother. My thoughts exactly.

As a child I had a vivid imagination and the tree in my front yard was a dear imaginary friend to me. So when I first read this book it was so special to me, it was my favorite book. Reading it again as an adult brings back those warm memories. Before I ordered this book as a gift for my niece I skimmed through the reviews. One review really stood out to me and touched my heart. As a mother reading the book now I see the tree from a mother's point of view and the child as my own. You will always love your children unconditionally, giving to them and making sacrifices for them. As a parent the Thanks you get is in the simple things, a smile on their face, the happiness in their eyes and knowing that in all you do you are shaping their lives. Children and even adults most of the time do not realize or fully appreciate all their parents do for them. It's not until you are much older and have children of your own, making your own sacrifices, that you truly see what a thankless little brat you were! When people read this classic tale each may find a different meaning, I read review of some who thought it was a sad tale but for me it is truly a treasure. It's books like these (the ones that make you think) that are the most profound.

This story is a wonderful story that can be interpreted in many different ways...love, friendship, selfish, old age, caring, and finally giving. This is a must have book for children ages 4 through 7. Take the time to interpret its many different meanings while reading to your child(ren). Enjoy!

My four year old son received this book for a Christmas present, and couldn't wait to read it. As the story progressed and the tree slowly got amputated, his face grew somber, and by the end of the book he began sobbing. It took ten minutes to console him enough that he could stop crying, and he was unable to discuss any details about why he found the story so sad. I can appreciate the differing viewpoints expressed in other reviews here - the story could equally represent the selfless parent nurturing the child who eventually perhaps realizes and appreciates that love, or a selfish boy growing into a selfish man who exploits and abuses the self-sacrificing tree to death. I think it could be a useful book to explore themes of morality, love, giving and taking, environmental issues, for an older child or for adults. It was traumatic for my son, however. And personally, from the time I first read this book as a child until now, I have found it a uniquely depressing story.

who doesn't love the Giving Tree! Just wanted to note this is a collector's edition which comes in a hard case library sleeve. This is not intended for children. Note also the small size of the book itself. I thought it was a bit smaller than expected.

It's a book by Shel Silverstein. It's about a tree that gives a boy useful things. All the main characters are the boy and the tree. The setting is outside... ONLY! My favorite part was when the man just sat on the tree to rest.

The book isn't very exciting at first, but it's a very nice book. A person who likes to give or receive will like this book. I give this book 5 stars!!!

By: Mia Faith

It's funny how adults can't see the forest for the trees... Children take things at face value, and this is a good thing.

The book is entitled "The Giving Tree" and that's exactly what it's about. Unconditional Love. It is something that AMERICANS are trying very hard to destroy. If you'll notice, most of the negative reviews are written by americans... sad really. This book is had a very Christian attitude about it, not fake Christian, true Christian. If someone strikes your cheek, turn and offer the other. That is also unconditional love. If we all learned the lesson of this book, to give as long as you have something to give, then we would all be very happy. Instead many people concentrate on the taking boy. It shows that ultimately the taking boy is unhappy, yet the Giving Tree is ultimately very happy. We've decided to label good values as Clichés. "It is better to give than to receive" may be a cliché, but it is not clichéd. It is MORE important today than ever, because we are so far removed from this sentiment. People call this "co-dependence" but it's not. The giving tree is not giving to get something in return, she is simply giving because she feels good to give. She does get something in return though after all. The good feeling of giving, and she is never sad.

This is THE book I remember from my child hood. I remember crying and thinking about how terribly the tree was treated by the boy. It made my want to be a better person, and that's because my parents helped me understand that this wasn't a book about the boy, but in fact, the tree. The tree is the main character and the hero of this book. When you are ready to read this to your child, make sure you are ready to address moral issues of right and wrong, taking advantage of others and being taken advantage of. I look forward to sitting down with my children and reading this book to them. It represents a turning point, where simple lessons in right and wrong develop into analysis of the gray areas, and the unfairness that exists in life. I want my children, like I did, to understand that the tree was truly noble, but to a fault. I want them to see how destructive being self absorbed and lacking any empathy for others is to those who care and love for you. Some reviewers here attack the book as promoting the behavior of the boy. I have read and re-read the book and I cannot fathom how they come to that conclusion. That the boy didn't suffer retribution or punishment for his behavior is part of the point. The world is full of gray area morals and love is almost always blind. The tree never received love in return, but was fortunate, in that, in the end it was able to be happy despite all the wrong that had been done to it. Make it clear to your children that the tree is the main character (as the title attempts to do for your), and they'll feel bad for the tree and stand a chance of recognizing when they behave like the boy.

I grew up reading this book, and I remember what my understand of it was as a child. I remember feeling so happy when the boy and the tree are together. When the boy is away from the tree, the child me, felt terrible. The child me says, 'Boy! Why are you leaving the tree? Don't you see that she loves you?' and gets upset. It takes the boy his whole life to realize that what makes you happy is being with the ones you love. The child being read the story understands the boy's mistake, and learns from it now.

"The Giving Tree" is an exciting book. I was first introduced to it in college and as i grew on to better things i turned back to it, because there was more about the book I wanted to understand, and also learn from the tree and the boy. Silverstein accompliched a timeless book that reflects well on others.
I wish I was introduced to his books as a child. I can see how it relates to friendships, family, love and Yes, even enviornmentalists. Its a beautiful book that represents BEAUTY.

In my opinion, this story is about a taker and a giver, a boy who seems to grow up, but like a spoiled child continues to take. A child who eventually takes all that his friend, the giving tree, has to offer. The tree is eventually reduced to a dead and decaying stump that no longer has anything left. Yet, even in its death the man/boy still leans on the tree's corpse. It is a cold prickly disguised in a sticky sweet warm fuzzy. Read it if you must, but do not be fooled. One can only hope that people will see this story for the sacchrin coated tripe that it brought to my mind.

This book should be called the worthless human male. This is a terrible children's book.

I bought this book for my son to help him understand that we as humans need to give as much as we can. If we all had the love for one another that this tree had for this boy there would be no war there would be no arguing. This tree gave the boy everything that it had to make the boy happy.

I noticed that there were negative reviews for this book and, even though I've always loved it, I could immediately guess what the basis for objection was: the abuse of the tree. I'm sure most of you know that this is about a tree who loves a boy and supports him throughout his life, giving him parts of herself as he needs them: her trees, her limbs, and ultimately, her trunk. The boy, in turn, doesn't seem to realize how sad the tree is when he leaves her again. He has high hopes in life and he is bent on making them happen with whatever she gives him.

I don't see this at all as a book promoting abuse, but it could definetly be taken the wrong way. In some ways, it's a lot like the original tale of "The Little Mermaid": the heroine loves a boy and gives him everything inspite of his blindness to her needs. While that particular fairy-tale is definetly not for children, I don't think this book could harm them...provided that a responsible adult is there to discuss it with them. It definetly has a happier ending than the mermaid tale: rather than the tree pining away and dying of a broken heart, the boy returns when he's too old to do much of anything and finally appreciates the tree's greatest gift: simply being there and supporting him. Throughout the book, the boy's aspiration is to live and the tree's is to give. It is not until the end of the book, when they both realize that their spans are almost over, that they are finally united for good.

I enjoyed this book as a child and I intend to read it to my own children, but I do agree with the points that the negative reviewers made about abusing love. Do read this with your children and be ready to address certain issues. I personally will continue to keep this book on my Amazon list of recommended reading for children, but I'll add a word of caution for parents.

The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, is a book about a little boy and his relationship with a tree. Some may be skeptical of their children reading a book where a child has a relationship with an inanimate object but the lessons provided in the book are ones that all parents would approve of. In the beginning of the book we meet a little boy and a tree, neither are given names, and we learn the relationship between the boy and the tree. This relationship is explained in the first sentence, "there once was a tree, and she loved a little boy" (pgs 1-2). As the book continues we see the boy get older and grow farther away from the tree, but he always come back to her with his problems and she would always fix them. The tree continued to give to the boy who was giving nothing in return. In each segment as the boy was getting older and would take something else from the tree the tree grew sadder because she saw the boy less but he always came back. By the end of the book the little boy had taken everything from the tree but still came back and used her stump as a place to rest and both the tree and the boy were happy.
My reaction to this text is a positive one, I feel that the story was a strong one and is well suited to younger children to teach them the lesson of giving and equality in a relationship to make both parties happy. I also believe that children would like this novel because it allows them to use their imagination and it isn't overly complicated while still teaching a lesson. Plus, most children seem to be attracted to Shel Silverstein books. The text is educational in the sense that it did teach the lesson of giving and the need for a relationship where both parties are satisfied.
The characters in this book are as I explained a tree and a little boy. The author chose to represent the tree as a female. The fact that the text represents both genders prevents the book from having any gender discrimination there is also no mention of class. The book is very straight forward in always referring to the little boy as "boy" and nothing else. There is also no blatant issue of race in that the illustrations in the book are not in color.
I would definitely recommend this book to both children and parents. I think that children will enjoy the characters and the fact that they get to use their imagination in understanding a boy having a relationship with a tree and they would enjoy being able to imagine themselves playing with/in a tree. I feel that parents would also enjoy the book and approve of their children reading it because it allows their children to expand their mind but has a lesson incorporated as well.
Finally, if I were to give this book a grade I would have to say that I would give it an A and say that anyone who reads it will thoroughly enjoy both the little boy and the tree.

But to classify books of this sort as "children's books" is already a gross misservice to the author and his text. The Giving Tree is a narrative reflection on the art of living--of transforming the task of everyday living into an art. In its verbal and thematic simplicity, it exposes and lays bare the root of every human relationship imaginable and, in the character of the tree (perhaps Shelverstein's ironic commentary), teaches humans of all ages what "being human" means. Parents should read this book to their children; children should read it to their parents; teachers should share it with their classes. It belongs on every bookshelf and on the required reading list for living, for it has something to teach us all!!! I would also recommend, if you missed reading TIN0 GEORGIOU'S masterpiece--THE FATES, go and read it. With fascinating and brilliantly created characters in `THE FATES' coupled with two intertwining plots makes for a completely enjoyable and page-turning read.

Other recommended titles: The Fates: A Novel

I am appalled by this book. I have read the reviews that rave about this book and most of them read it as a child. Maybe it takes a child's mind to see that side of this book because frankly I couldn't have been more disgusted with the story of a little boy taking advantage of a dear friend to the point of distroying that friend. I will never give this book as a gift nor read this book to my child and will second guess anything else written by this author.

Though children do enjoy this book, this is by no means a childrens book. The writing and illustrations combine perfectly in this book to create the ULTIMATE tale of love and sacrifice.

I highly recommend this book for all.

I thought my 18 month old would be too young for this book but she actually loves it. It is a little long for her age but I started doing finger plays (like climbing the tree, swinging on the branches, and eating the apples) along with the story to keep her interest.

I was all set to write a review on this beautiful, timeless tale of unconditional love, but after reading some of the "attacks" on here, I feel I must write to that. I'm confused. I've treasured this book both as a child and as an adult. I've always equated the tree's role to that of a parent. We give until there's nothing left to give and we love unconditionally, even when the child doesn't appreciate it. So is that considered an abusive relationship? I think not. Let's not "read" into something like this too much. I'm pretty sure Shel meant it to be simple and beautiful, much like a mother's love.

The book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein is a classic children's tale that teaches a lesson about the importance of trees in our environment. A tree can be used for many things (provides food, shade, a place to play, etc).

The text is simplistic and sweet. It follows the life of a little boy through old age who feels a fondness for one tree that can always be counted on to have fun and provide help when needed.

Yes, the boy was selfish at times but this story is also surprisingly identifiable. Children do tend to take or ask more of us than we can give. However, the tree, much like a parent, doesn't abandon the boy or expect much from him. As long as the boy is there, the tree is happy. And we are treated with the message that as long as there's enough love in a relationship, it can withstand anything, even faults.

There are many stories out there about unconditional love that doesn't involve a life long cycle of abuse and abandonment. This story describes an unhealthy relationship between a boy and a tree. The term "co-dependent" comes to mind. Is my child supposed to identify with the tree that is treated like a doormat it's entire life or the narcissistic child who takes and takes? Is this a social commentary on the giving nature of females (the tree is female) or the ruthless and thoughtless destruction by males in today's world?

I would not want my daughter to model herself after the tree, giving and giving in a destructive cycle, giving so much of herself in order to please others until there is nothing left and never receiving anything in return. I'd hate to think I taught her to be a doormat, or that I'd given her the impression that it's ok to be in a destructive relationship because "he says he loves me". If this were a marriage, I can just imagine the wife saying "I know he beats me, sleeps with other women, and drinks a lot, but it's ok because he still comes home to me on the weekends."

If I had a son, I would not want him to think that he can destroy the one that loves him to get what he wants. He does not even consider that his actions are destroying the tree until there is nothing left but a stump. Am I teaching that it is ok to take and never give back? To not think about the feelings of others?

There are better ways of teaching a child about love, giving and compassion than this book. I want more for my children and their relationships than that. Denying them any of their wants or expecting them to make their own way in the world doesn't mean that I don't love them unconditionally.

While simple & short, this book is one of my all-time favorites. I have had a copy since I was a boy (decades ago). This story of a selfless tree and a self-centered boy/man has multiple deep implications or messages, which I would encourage readers to expound upon. I could write pages about the meaning(s) of this book, but will concisely say that I wish I were more like the tree and less like the boy. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Book is hard to get out of the case, especially for little fingers of my little boy

Once there was a tree ... and she loved a little boy." And the boy ate her apples and played in her boughs, and both were very happy. But the little boy grew up, and needed more than the loving tree could provide. What happens in a realtionship when one of the parties takes and takes, until the giver has nothing left to give? When is love codependent and unhealthy? Do we get our sense of value, our happiness, from the attention and approval of others? These are some of the questions raised in the beautiful but disturbing, The Giving Tree. It is an infinitely sad book, if seen as an expression of unconditional love that is taken advantage of until nothing is left. But it can be a profound message if considered from the standpoint that, as humans, we too often leave thoughts of our Creator behind in our hectic rush to accomplish, be, do. Finally, we realize that other people, indeed, the world, cannot satisfy us, and so we return to the things that matter - and are at peace.

The author leaves it up to each reader to figure out what the book means/ intends. However readers take it, The Giving Tree is an excellent springboard for discussing the meaning of love. The author's simple, effective illustrations enhance the story line.

I am quite sure I would have given this book a very favorable review if I had ever received it, but since it has been almost two months since it was ordered and I have yet to get the book or a refund, I'm afraid the review is going to be quite bad. Maybe I should do a review of Amazon and Woody's Books instead of the book The Giving Tree.