The Giving Tree Slipcase Mini Edition: 35th Anniversary Mini Edition Hardcover – Illustrated, 1 Oct. 1999

Confession - I cry every time when I read this book 🫣The Giving Tree is a beautiful, thought-provoking tale that speaks to readers of all ages. Shel Silverstein’s simple yet powerful writing and illustrations deliver a moving story about the nature of giving, selflessness, and love.The story revolves around the relationship between a boy and a tree. As the boy grows, the tree selflessly gives everything it has to make him happy. It’s a touching metaphor about unconditional love and the passage of time, offering valuable lessons about gratitude and selflessness.Silverstein’s illustrations are minimalist but add depth to the narrative, perfectly complementing the emotional weight of the story. Although some readers may interpret the ending as bittersweet or even sad, it opens up meaningful conversations about the balance between giving and receiving.Whether you're a parent reading to a child, or an adult revisiting the tale, The Giving Tree remains a timeless, emotionally resonant experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a story that’s as heartwarming as it is thought-provoking.

I had never heard of this book and was drawn to it by the strength of feeling it clearly generates judging by other reviews. My wife read it on Christmas day and burst into tears at the end ( I dont think it was the alcohol?). I think of myself as somewhat more reserved, but yet found it surprisingly powerful ( I just had some grit in my eye, OK!) The story allows you to project your own deeply personal interpretation onto the simple narrative and that is its beautyMany of those who have given this book poor reviews seem to have done so because they object to the morality of the characters, nevertheless they have been clearly been moved and even disturbed by it. That by my reckoning is the sign of a great workMy 4 year old daughter enjys it too, but not quite on the same level

A classic story, a must for young and old as explains the cycle of life and what we do for others, made me sad too, I do not believe you have to sacrifice your all for another person, giving is a two way experience whether in showing kindness or paying to forward or giving back. Easy to follow and could generate interesting chats and discussions

A very simple story which, even on a literal level is nice for children to read. On a deeper level it gives opportunity to discuss not only the concept of parenthood, but of generosity, unselfishness, gratitude, unconditional love.I bought it for my children when they were young, but have now bought it again for them as adult parents themselves, so that they can share it with my Grandchildren/their children

This is the first time I have ever wrote a review on amazon. However this book moved me to tears and the reaction of my 4 yr old after reading this book to him compelled me to do so... You will find that all of the negative reviewers on this book are disturbed or saddened by this story. However the opinion that this book gives your child a bad message is not quite true... After reading the book to my little boy he asked if we could go and see the tree? I told him that we could go and see a tree like that one. He said "We can climb it and play on it, but we won't make it into a boat, because that's not very nice." I was very warmed that he realised that what the boy was doing was wrong. This led to a discussion about the book and how the boy could return the kindness of the tree. Overall I think this is a beautiful true depiction of how the world can be and allows for great discussion between right and wrong, and feelings.

I must respectfully disagree with those who have said this book is NOT for children. I have taught for nearly a decade, to both young and older children and I have found this particular book very useful and helpful both in message and deed.Children need to understand that their desires, such as demonstrated by the boy, whom many of them will be able to relate to on some level depending on their age, can be selfish, only looking inward rather than outward to others' generosity. It is an excellent teacher of self-reflection for the young and old alike. It makes children think on so many levels and according to their understand and experience of the world to that point. As I have experienced, this is one of those books that sometimes sits and stirs in the sub-concious for many years, with past students coming back saying, "oh my, I didnt realise!" and thanking me for introducing them to this book.Someone once said to me in an academic setting that learning is painful. The responsible adult (parent/ teacher/ guardian/ mentor) teaches all facets of human emotion and behaviours-- not just the ones we would have our children demonstrate themselves, but those we would have them not demonstrate so that they can recognise those negative behaviours in others and at times themselves and correct it according to their conscious.Help build conscientious, empathetic qualities in the little people in your lives and guide them starting with the invaluable message in this book.