The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree cover
Good Books rating 3.17
Children's Fiction
Technical:
  • ID: 1648
  • Added: 2025-10-08
  • Updated: 2025-10-11
  • ISBN: 9780060099404
  • Published: 2002-03-01
  • Formats: 9
  • Reviews: 3
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Waterstones
Hardback • £12.99–£13.99
Bookshop
Format • £12.34

In this beloved classic by Shel Silverstein, a young boy forms a deep bond with a generous tree that gives him shade, apples, and branches as he grows. The tree's unwavering love and sacrifice highlight themes of selflessness and the cycle of life. /n/n Illustrated with Silverstein's signature whimsical drawings, this story has touched countless hearts and remains a staple in children's literature. Its simple yet powerful narrative makes it a must-read for all ages.

Reviews
The Invisible Melon · 2025-04-01
profound 4.50

The story is seen as a metaphor for life and love, highlighting how desires grow with what we have and that possessions don't equate to fulfillment. It's a profound exploration of selflessness and the cost of giving.

This reviewer sees 'The Giving Tree' as a profound metaphor for life, love, and the complexities of human relationships. They appreciate how the story illustrates the cycle of giving and taking, and how our desires can grow insatiably. The reviewer also notes that the story subtly critiques the idea that possessions bring happiness, making it a thought-provoking read for all ages. They believe it's a story that resonates deeply, offering a poignant commentary on the nature of love and sacrifice.

Quick quotes

    The story is a metaphor for life, the things we do for love, and it shows that the more that you have, the more you want, and that possessions do not equate to happiness.

    It's a profound exploration of selflessness and the cost of giving.

    The Giving Tree is a timeless tale that invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the nature of giving.

Christopher Roosen · C Roosen · 2021-05-29
critical 1.00

The reviewer criticizes the story for promoting a destructive and selfish relationship dynamic, where the tree's selflessness is seen as harmful.

C Roosen has a strong critique of 'The Giving Tree,' viewing it as a story that promotes a destructive and selfish relationship dynamic. They argue that the tree's unconditional giving is not healthy, but rather a depiction of a one-sided and harmful relationship. The reviewer believes that the story sends a negative message about the nature of love and sacrifice, making it a problematic read. They see it as a tale that glorifies self-destruction in the name of love, which they find deeply troubling.

Quick quotes

    The tree literally consumes herself in providing for the boy, leaving her with nothing left to give.

    I intensely dislike the message this gives. It's a bad example of a relationship.

    The Giving Tree promotes a destructive and selfish dynamic that is not healthy.

The New Yorker · 2014-11-05
melancholic 4.00

The book is viewed as a lament about the passage of time and physical decay, offering an unsentimental perspective on life's transience.

This reviewer finds 'The Giving Tree' to be a deeply melancholic story that transcends its simple narrative. They see it as a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitable decay that comes with it. The reviewer appreciates the unsentimental tone, which adds a layer of complexity to the story, making it a thought-provoking read. They believe it's a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page, offering a unique perspective on life's fleeting nature.

Quick quotes

    The book isn't about love or happiness at all, but a lament about the passing of time, an unsentimental view of physical decay, a withering away.

    It's a story that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

    The Giving Tree is a poignant reflection on the passage of time and the inevitable decay that comes with it.

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