The Giving Tree

Silverstein, S. (1964). The Giving Tree. New York: Harper & Row.

            The Giving Tree is a heartwarming story about the relationship between a boy and a tree. When the boy is younger, he enjoys playing with the tree and the tree is his friend. As the boy grows older, he wants money. The tree offers its apples for the boy to sell. As an adult, he wants to make a house. Consequently, the tree offers its branches to fulfill the boy’s wishes. Later in life, the boy wants to build a boat. The tree again offers itself up for the boy. All that is left of the tree is a stump. When the boy is an old man, all he wants is a place to sit down and rest. The tree, which is now a stump, allows the old man to sit. In the end, the tree is happy.