The Giving Tree - Book Review
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This is my book review of this book, "The Giving Tree." It's a book that we read to the kids in our preschool. And we enjoy asking them questions and getting their views about love and giving. Many of them are very protective of the tree!
As I read the book, I too think of my own life and my own perceptions about love and my expressions of love. I learn much from the Giving Tree and I hope the story will resonate with you as well.
The Giving Tree: Book Review
What does it mean to love another unconditionally? Can we truly love without expecting anything in return? Gifted storywriter Shel Silverstein, through his masterpiece, "The Giving Tree", crafts a beautiful story about unfaltering love that children will understand and adults will appreciate.
It speaks about a tree's unselfish love for a boy -- the kind of love that expects nothing except the joy of the other. Likewise, it was in giving that the tree found its joy. It reminds us of a love between a parent and a child or God's love for us. It reminds me of Mother Teresa when she said, "I have found the paradox that if I love until it hurts, then there is no hurt but only more love."
The words in "The Giving Tree" are simple for children to understand, yet the meaning is quite profound. The end of the story leaves us with mixed feelings. It's an excellent tool for children and adults to define or redefine what love is.
I once read this story to my seven year old niece. At the end of the story, I was surprised to find her teary-eyed and trying to hold back her tears. I once thought that children her age only paid attention to the literal side of the story. I realized that children are just as capable of understanding what lies beyond a profound story.
Suggestions: When you read the story, make it a point to ask questions. Like "Would you have done the same? How do you feel? What do you think happened next?" These type of questions encourages critical thinking and checks the children's comprehension.
Enjoy the Giving Tree.
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I need to get this book. Thanks this is very useful for where I am at right now. Mother Teresa was definitely right: Giving till it hurts is love, she was a noble woman.
This story relates to alot of people in the world. Once you read this you see how selfish we can be, we always get something and we don't appreciate it. It makes me appreciate alot of things in life. This story is beautifully writen, any one can understand the moral of the story.
The Giving Tree's audience is open to adults and children alike. The values implanted in this tale are necessary for a growing child.
teacherstel
On recommendation from your friend Ripplemaker, I came over to read your HUB. Thank you for reviewing one of my favorite books. I am not always so emotional but I cannot read this book without becoming choked up. I have used this book to teach many great lessons, as a teacher myself. Thank you for making others aware of this great book.
I LOVE this book. I remember reading it as a child and not understanding how the grown man could be so unappreciative. Like In the Doghouse, I do not think I could read it without getting choked up. Thank you for a great Hub.
I must admit I have never read or even heard of this book before, but I intend to get a copy soon and read it.
In the spirit of sharing information about giving I'd like to invite you to join a FREE social network I recently set up:Giving is Fun:http://givingisfun.ning.comA social network for any and everyone interested in giving anything to anyone. Charities, givers, donors, etc all welcome. God bless!
Hi. Teaching kids math and reading is my ministry. I used to read this book to poor students here, however, unluckily, someone borrowed it and didn't return it. I would like to appeal to you, if anyone here would like to donate a used copy of the book (and other books your children may have already outgrown), please let me know. Books here are very expensive and i simply cannot afford to buy duplicate copies. Thank you very much for the time and May God bless your hearts. More power!
such a meaningful story for all ages !
OMG, i LUV this book its 1 of my favs i read it all the time wen i can...LOL
its totally lyke the best book in book history....lol
im hilarious
but newayz...
read this book wen ever u can
pce. luv. an JONAS.
this book is ohkay. i just read it to my 4 year old sister and she wanted me to read it agian but im pretty sure she dont kno what it means
this book is lame
I love this this book so much,
i have two copies
I love the way shel made this book
it describes him so much
Thanks so much for reading this review. :) This book is awesome.
i never knew this books was for children.. can a 13 year old girl still read this thing?
the first time I hearded about this story , i really touched and so blessed. I shared this story to my colleagues.
I LUV DIS BOOK ITS SO AWESOME AND COOL IT TOUCHES MY HEART LOL:D
i love this lesson.
This is a cautionary tale about giving too much and not valuing yourself. The tree enabled the child. The tree should have met its own needs and the child should not have been such a taker. They both could have had happy lives and at the end still been happy together- the tree still as a tree and the child could have had a grateful happy life! Giving is good- but this book made me sad!
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Susan Ng Level 3 Commenter 4 years ago
I recently told this story to a bunch of Kinder 1 students, and their empathy for the tree was almost palpable. The creased foreheads and frowning disapproval at the unappreciative boy only lifted when we made the Giving Tree a thank you letter for being so unselfish and loving. :-)