Amazon.com
To say that this particular apple tree is a "giving tree" is an understatement. In Shel Silverstein's popular tale of few words and simple line drawings, a tree starts out as a leafy playground, shade provider, and apple bearer for a rambunctious little boy. Making the boy happy makes the tree happy, but with time it becomes more challenging for the generous tree to meet his needs. When he asks for money, she suggests that he sell her apples. When he asks for a house, she offers her branches for lumber. When the boy is old, too old and sad to play in the tree, he asks the tree for a boat. She suggests that he cut her down to a stump so he can craft a boat out of her trunk. He unthinkingly does it. At this point in the story, the double-page spread shows a pathetic solitary stump, poignantly cut down to the heart the boy once carved into the tree as a child that said "M.E. + T." "And then the tree was happy... but not really." When there's nothing left of her, the boy returns again as an old man, needing a quiet place to sit and rest. The stump offers up her services, and he sits on it. "And the tree was happy." While the message of this book is unclear (Take and take and take? Give and give and give? Complete self-sacrifice is good? Complete self-sacrifice is infinitely sad?), Silverstein has perhaps deliberately left the book open to interpretation. (All ages) --Karin Snelson
Book Description
'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
Ages 10+
Customer Reviews:
An Important Lesson About Giving.......2007-10-04
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.
A Timeless Parable on Giving .......2007-10-03
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.
Unconditional Love is not a license to abuse others.......2007-10-03
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.
The Giving Tree.......2007-09-25
Book is hard to get out of the case, especially for little fingers of my little boy
Beautiful, poignant and profound.......2007-09-19
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.
Book Description
"Once there was a tree . . . and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave.
This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
Customer Reviews:
MY HEART STILL SOFTENS...........2007-09-17
When I read this book, even YEARS after I first read it, my hear softens and well, yes, I get a bit teary eyed....
This was one of the best gifts I got from my mom! And am REALLY excited I will be able now to share it with my godson!!!! I even bought one for when I have kids!!
A great gift for parents-to-be.......2007-09-15
This book is wonderful. My husband and I do not have children, yet we have bought almost ten copies. They are great to give to expecting parents as a gift. We love the message of unconditional giving. It reflects beliefs we have and want to encourage others by it. I can't think of a better gift. Especially through Amazon. It is the best price I have found.
A moving story for all ages.......2007-07-03
I remember reading The Giving Tree a decade ago, and being moved to tears by the simple story of an apple tree that loves a little boy so much that it gives, and gives, and keeps on giving, till there's nothing left to give. This is a story that bears many interpretations...and will touch the hearts of all who read it, young & old. I am now a mother of a two-year-old and am reading it to her...in the hope that some day she too will come to appreciate the story of a love that keeps on giving.
A Most Favorite Book of Ours!.......2007-03-31
I love this book sooooo much! I read it to our 2 young girls often (ages 3 and 4.5) and still get choked up when I read it. It is a simple book with simple words and pictures but has an oh so deep and meaningful message. I think our girls will understand it differently over the years and only hope they grow to understand and appreciate its message. I give this book to friends and glue a picture of our girls along with a dedication into the cover as I like to give gifts that are also special to us.
If you like Shel's other children's works, I believe you will like this book as well.
Book Description
An evocative parable, The Giving Tree-the story of a lifelong relationship between a boy and the tree who happily responds to the boy's every need -is retold in Latin in Arbor alma. This edition features the original artwork of Shel Silverstein and a translation in a style that echoes the spirit of The Giving Tree.
The Giving Tree is Shel Silverstein's simple yet profound telling of a lifelong relationship between a boy and a nurturing tree. The boy becomes an old man, and, from branches to trunk, diminishes the tree's stature with his requests-or does he? This tender tale has invited generations of readers, young and old, to ponder what it means to give and what, to receive.
The Giving Tree is here rendered in exquisite Latin, a language whose own simple grandeur complements that of Silverstein's original story and illustrations. Arbor Alma adds one more dimension to this multifaceted classic. This Latin-language edition is a welcome, all-occasion gift, a delightful way to revisit a treasured tale, and an enjoyable way to refresh your high school Latin.
*originally published in English by HarperCollins Publishers, New York, 1964.
Special Features
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exquisite Latin translation in a style that echoes the spirit of the original
Original artwork of Shel Silverstein
Latin-to-English vocabulary
Note on the translation and the translators
Customer Reviews:
Exactly what kind of "tree" are we discussing here?.......2006-05-28
A female martyr figure allows herself to be literallty chopped limb from limb by a brutally self-centered male who relentlessly victimizes her, without so much as a "thank you", from boyhood through old age. Am I the only reader who is seriously creeped out by this?
I have never understood how anyone could possibly consider this sick allegory "touching". In my opinion, anyone who gives this book to a child -- especially as a purported life lession -- needs to have their heads examined.
A great teaching tool for someone of any age.......2005-02-20
I bought this book to help myself learn some new Latin vocab (a lot of these words just don't show up in Virgil, you know?) and ended up lending it out to a number of people. Everyone recognizes the title, and it is one of those books that everyone has read, so that makes it easy and fun to read in another language. There is a very helpful list of words in the back of the book so that you don't have to sit with your 800-page Latin dictionary in order to read it. I would recommend it to any student of Latin!
The Giving Tree.......2003-12-19
I think that this book is a good book because it is short and sweet. In a way it kinda relates to life. The Giving Tree is a easy and fun to read.
Erat quondam arbor..........2003-11-03
Shel Silverstein's 'The Giving Tree' has become a classic parable of modern times. Like good parables, it has a multivalent quality toward interpretation. Some people love it, and some people hate it. The story is simple, as is the vocabulary and grammar. There is a tree, who loved a boy, and gave the boy whatever he needed that was within her power to give. When the boy was hungry, she gave apples. When the boy was tired, she gave shade. When the boy, now grown, needed a home, she gave lumber. Over the course of the story, the tree gets reduced to a stump from having given and given (give 'till it hurts?). The boy, typical of humans, is never-ending request of needs. The tree, typical of nature, perhaps typical of parents, perhaps typical of God (one never knows if Silverstein had an intended metaphor here), gives and gives without complaint and without counting the cost. The boy likewise doesn't count the cost. But what is the real cost, and isn't it worth it?
The publishers Bolchazy-Carducci, of Wauconda, Illinois, have devoted efforts toward an enterprise to publishing modern classics into Latin - and who ever said it was a dead language? There are many titles to be had, but few as well known at Silverstein's 'The Giving Tree'.
This is a book of few words, the better to make it a book for teaching reading to young children. Similarly, the plot is not complicated -- the sentences are simple constructions and the action fairly standard. This helps those who might use this text to learn or re-learn Latin, too, as the vocabulary required is small -- all the words needed can be found in the glossary at the end, consisting of fewer than four pages.
The translators note that there are a few stylistic differences. While keeping to Silverstein's basic informal style, they have varied the text more (in English, Silverstein uses a repetitive pattern that the Tunbergs have opted to change now and then, as Latin texts would be more likely to do so). This is not a word-for-word translation, but rather 'an interpretative translation, not a mere verbal image of the original text.' (postscript, About the Text)
While this is not a Latin grammar, and the construction of verbs, noun endings, etc. are not explicated, still one can begin to pick up the basics of Latin grammatical construction from texts like 'Arbor Alma'. Jennifer Tunberg (Ph.D., Oxford) and Terence Tunberg (Ph.D., Toronto) are both educators, and thus have a care for the reader learning something from the text in addition to gaining enjoyment from it. While one could easily see the translation of a book such as 'The Giving Tree' into Latin as a purely academic exercise, in fact the book serves several purposes, including teaching (or re-teaching) Latin to students, and introducing the language to people who might not otherwise be exposed to it. Books like 'The Giving Tree' and Dr. Seuss (another of the translation projects of the Tunbergs) eliminate somewhat the 'intimidation factor' that Latin has for some, particularly when presented with Caesar or Cicero in long-winded passages.
This is a wonderfully fun book, a good gift for those who have everything, a good offering to the budding or the latent Latin scholar, and an interesting conversation piece even for those who have no Latin background at all. The classic line-art drawings of the boy, the tree, the apples, and more, are kept here intact. At first glance, one might think this was the 'real' thing -- looking more closely, one discovers that the mystery of Silverstein's parable becomes yet more paradoxical in the Latin language.
And the tree was happy.
Rendered in an exquisite Latin.......2003-02-08
Arbor Alma/The Giving Tree In Latin by Shel Silverstein is the profound and simple story of a lifelong relationship between a boy and a tree who happily responds to the boys's every need. As the boy grows to become an old man and, (from branches to trunk) diminishes the tree's stature with his continuing requests, both the human and the tree find themselves transformed -- yet the tree remains happy. An evocative and engaging parable, The Giving Tree is rendered in an exquisite Latin which wonderfully complements Shel Silverstein's original story and illustrations, adding an unexpected and very welcome dimension to a multifaceted classic with its ageless and timeless appeal.
Average customer rating:
- A great book for introducing poetry to French children or those who are bilingual.
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L'Arbre Genereux (The Giving Tree), French Edition
Shel Silverstein
Manufacturer: Schoenhof Foreign Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Silverstein, Shel
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ASIN: 2211094155 |
Customer Reviews:
A great book for introducing poetry to French children or those who are bilingual........2007-07-30
I purchased this book to slowly introduce poetry to my grandson, as the author is a favorite of is mother's.
Jackson is only 18 months old. His vocabulary French and English is beyond that of a two year old. Still, we are going to go very slowly. We have completed the first two pages and he now comprehends them.
I think that it will be best used and understood when he is about 9 and reading himself. For that reason I have put the book away for a few years.
Book Description
Five Stories by Emily Bradshaw * Raine Cantrell* Karen Harper * Patricia Rice * Jodi Thomas
Patricia Rice spins a touching tale of love lost and found in the bluegrass country of Kentucky.
Jodi Thomas tells of a Texas tomboy who gets more than she bargained for under the mistletoe.
Raine Cantrell presents a moving Civil War story, set in the hills of upstate New York.
Emily Bradshaw captures the spirit of the season--Western style--in her wonderful tale of a woman who melts the frostbitten heart of the man who rescues her from a Christmas blizzard.
Karen Harper paints a warm picture of old-fashioned love from America's heartland.
* Features five of today's bestselling and award- winning romance writers
* Patricia Rice is winner of the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award
* Jodi Thomas is a national bestseller and two-time RITA Award-winner
* Raine Cantrell has won 14 awards, including the Booklovers Romance of the Year Award
* Emily Bradshaw has won three Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Awards and five Affaire de Coeur Golden Certificates
* Karper Harper is not only a popular romance writer, but a successful mystery and suspense author
Customer Reviews:
One of the best Christmas Romance Anthologies out there!.......2005-10-22
From the back cover:
An American Country Christmas
These heartwarming, all-American stories from five beloved authors capture all the passion, joy, and rich rural tradition of the holiday season across the nation. Patricia Rice spins a dramatic tale of romance lost and found in the bluegrass country of Kentucky. Jodi Thomas tells of a Texas tomboy who gets more than she bargained for under the mistletoe. Upstate New York is the setting of Raine Cantrell's moving Civil War story. Emily Bradshaw fills us with the spirit of the season--Western style--in her wonderful tale of a woman who melts the frostbitten heart of the man who rescues her from a Christmas blizzard, and Karen Harper paints a chaming picture of old-fashioned love from America's heartland. Filled with hope and heartbreak, touching reunion and tender devotion, this exquisite collection proves that love burns so much brighter when the heart comes home for Christmas.
And my review:
This is one of the very few Christmas romance anthologies that I bought brand-new, but it was well worth the money. While some stories were better than others (as is always the case with these collections) there were no "stinkers" in this book. And no sex scenes either, so you could let your teenage daughter read this.
1) A Husband for Holly by Jodi Thomas
This was my first sampling of her work, and I was quite impressed. She does an excellent job of weaving in historical detail without detracting from the story. Four stars.
2) Friends are Forever by Patricia Rice
Not the best one of the bunch, but still enjoyable. I liked the author's portrayal of mountain life. The romance was not quite as intense as it could have been, but it was an entertaining read. Three stars.
3) The Gift by Emily Bradshaw
Hands down, the best novella of the bunch, and one of my favorite Christmas stories. This is one that I read every single year without fail. I've read some of this author's full-length work since this story, but this one is still the best thing she's written, in my humble opinion. Not many authors can do a good job of balancing romance, Christmas, a touch of the paranormal, and an amnesia plot (which never felt contrived) but this author did it. If you read no other romance at Christmastime, read this one! (More than) five stars.
4) A Time for Giving by Raine Cantrell
Another sweet story. I've tried one of this author's other full-length novels, but my interest fizzled out halfway through. But this story was very touching, and worth a re-read. Four stars.
5) O Christmas Tree by Karen Harper
Another good story. Not as good as some of her other works, but still enjoyable. If you want a really good Christmas story by Karen Harper, check out "Promises to Keep", which is a Civil war Christmas romance. I liked her portrayal of the emmigrated German family, and the heroine's struggles to balance her heritage with her need to fit in as an American. Four stars.
For once, an anthology where every single story was worth reading (and some for re-reading!). Very rare these days. This is one that I'll never get rid of. I won't even lend it out, because I know I won't get it back. (Smile) Highly recommended!
Very Entertaining!.......2000-03-31
I really enjoyed this book. I have purchased copies to share with family and friends. I enjoyed the relationships that took place between the men and women. This book contained no sex, so my 13 year old daughter could read this book. I can't give enough praise to the authors of this book but, I will read this book every Christmas and it will remain on my shelf as one of my favorites.
Very Entertaining!.......2000-03-31
I really enjoyed this book. I have purchased copies to share with family and friends. I enjoyed the relationships that took place between the men and women. This book contained no sex, so my 13 year old daughter could read this book. I can't give enough praise to the authors of this book but, I will read this book every Christmas and it will remain on my shelf as one of my favorites.
Truly heart-warming!.......2000-01-03
I really enjoyed every one of the stories in this collection. I kept reading and re-reading "The Gift" by Emily Bradshaw. Another pregnant woman in a blizzard, but this time our heroine can't remember who she is or where she's from (and it's better off forgotten, anyway). But she changes the lives of the father and son who find her and she and her daughter charm their ways into a whole new life. I just loved it! "A Husband for Holly" by Jodi Thomas was enchanting! And Raine Cantrell's "A Time for Giving" was also a delight I read more than once.
Average customer rating:
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The Giving Tree
Shel Silverstein
Manufacturer: Harpercollins Childrens Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NY2R40 |
Average customer rating:
- Great for educators
- It's An Activity Guide, Folks
- read?
- The Ungiving Tree
- product wasnt a book. It is a brochure, a lesson plan.
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The Giving Tree (Activity Guide)
Manufacturer: Frank Schaffer Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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The Giving Tree
ASIN: 0867342234 |
Customer Reviews:
Great for educators.......2007-01-10
I bought this book to help in an early elementary class I had and loved it! It has many valuable resources and activities to use in the classroom. It relates the book to other areas of literacy and would be a bonus in the classroom.
It's An Activity Guide, Folks.......2003-06-04
Very helpful in discussing and making assignments to go with the book "The Giving Tree." Anyone who didn't realize this was not Shel Silverstein's book was too lazy to read the title.
read?.......2003-05-29
Along with this review you may be reading a few others that say that this book is worthless, and that the shoppers wanted The Giving Tree. Well I would like to comment that they should have read ACTIVITY GUIDE first of all, as well as "BY FRANK SHAFFER PUBLICATIONS." Everyone knows The Giving Tree is by Shel Silverstein. I can only assume that this book has helpful activities for teachers to use in lesson plans and book extensions- I would like to hear from anyone who actually has this ACTIVITY GUIDE to know if it is, NOT from shoppers who were too lazy or stupid to read what they were buying!
The Ungiving Tree.......2003-04-03
The actual story of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein , is wonderful. I had read it as a child and hoped to read it with my son. Unfortunately, after waiting so long for it to come I found that it was not a story, just an activity guide for people to do with their children AFTER reading the story. I think that this was misleading, and all potential buyers should know that you need to purchase the book somewhere as well. Who knows, it could be a fantastic activity guide. I will find out after I find a copy of the book and read it.
product wasnt a book. It is a brochure, a lesson plan........2003-03-25
I ordered what I believed to be a "paperback" book.
I received a brochure for a teacher or parent on how to do things if you read the book. I believe that the seller of this
product mislead the consumer.
Product Description
3 Book Set By Shel Silverstein; a Light in the Attic; Where the Sidewalk Ends; the Giving Tree.
Average customer rating:
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Giving Tree
Shel Siverstein
Manufacturer: HARPERCOLLINS @ PUBLISHERS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UCPD14 |
Average customer rating:
|
The Giving Tree
Silverstein
Manufacturer: Harper Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0329230077 |
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