The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree Reviews


by Shel Silverstein


4.5 of 5 (by 6 reviewers)
Rating Summary | 83% of reviewers recommend (5 out of 6)

Pros
  • classic (6)
  • great for anyone 2 to 102 (5)
  • good for bedtime (4)
  • teaches selfless giving (4)
  • teaches morals (3)
  • lesson on life (3)
Cons
  • too long (1)
  • depressing (1)
  • empty conclusion (1)
  • tedious to read out loud (1)
  • show selfishness in ppl (1)
  • don't wait to the end to get the lesson (1)
Most Helpful Favorable Review

“A classic must have book”

The Giving Tree is a must read, must have book! Shel Silverstein's book can be read over and over again. It is the story about a tree that loves a little boy. The tree gives the little boy all he needs and wants. It is a cute story open to interpritation what if as good for small children as it is for...

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Posted on Oct 27, 2010
Most Helpful Critical Review

“Not Sold On It”

I know so many people who love the Giving Tree.  Alot of my friends use this book in their classrooms to teach different social skills.  However, I just can't get over how selfish the boy is.  I identify with the tree too much, which may be my problem.  With that said,  I suggest checking it...

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Posted on Jan 24, 2009

The Giving Tree Reviews

Displaying all 4 reviews

“Who couldn't love this book?”

This is a terrific story with wonderful symbolism. Kids love to think of the world around them as living beings with souls and thoughts and this book encapsulates that.
Posted on Oct 14, 2008

“The deepest, moral-bound children's book ever written.”

This one is a blast from my past. When children's books were truely deep. When Authors didn't dumb down their works. When children had higher readin capacity.

   I've loved this book since I was a child. It moved me and helped to build foundations for my moral integrity. This is a MUST HAVE for children. Heck, I think that this is a good book for anyone.
Posted on Dec 09, 2008

“THE GIVING TREE IS A LIFE LESSON”

I READ THIS BOOK TO MY 4 YEAR OLD GRANDDAUGHTER. SHE LOVES BOOKS. I THINK I GOT MORE OUT OF THIS BOOK THEN SHE DID. I TRIED TO EXPLAIN THE LIFE LESSONS THIS BOOK HAD TO OFFER. I HAD NEVER HEARD OF IT BEFORE. THIS BOOK REALLY MAKES YOU THINK (IF YOUR MIND IS OPEN). WE NEED TO LEARN THE LESSON IN THIS ONE. OUR WORLD IS GOING BY THE WAY SIDE WITH TAKING AND TAKING. HOPEFULLY, DOING THIS CHRISTMAS TIME WE HAVE LEARNED THAT GIVING IF BETTER THEN RECEIVING. THIS HELPS BALANCE THE WORLD. I DID APPRICATE THAT IN THE END THE BOOK CAME FULL CIRCLE. LIFE CAN DO THAT TO YOU. LEARN THE LESSON BEFORE... read full review »
Posted on Dec 09, 2011

“will forever pull on your heart strings- jeannelle ”

I will always love this book. Its one of the few children's books that has a strong message. Or a message in it at all. I used to read this when i was little and i always give a copy to my neices and nephews when they start reading. I think it's a great choice. -jeannelle anderson
Posted on Mar 28, 2009

Reviews of The Giving Tree

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