Shel Silverstein - The Giving Tree

Pros: *Beautiful meaningful book!

Cons: *Not a one!

The Bottom Line: The Giving Tree is a very enjoyable book of life and love and the perfect book for my 1,000th review!

Review: Every once in a while I’m reminded of a book that I’ve enjoyed in the past, but have forgotten about. The other day my husband Michael brought home a book that is a true a book of unconditional love. The Giving ...

Pros: Remarkable classic story with multiple applications, good mentor text for writing, great illustrations

Cons: none

The Bottom Line: What is the value of friendship?  Silverstein, in his classic work The Giving Tree, gives opportunity for children to think about life.

Review: Perhaps among more recent children's literature that has reached the stage of being counted a classic, The Giving Tree by the late Shel Silverstein is one of the greatest.  The story is about a little boy who becomes friends with a tree. ...

Pros: Good lessons on sacrifices

Cons: None

The Bottom Line: This is a great book for people of all ages and I highly recommend it!

Review: THE GIVING TREE is wonderful because everyone can connect to it and it brings up important issues for discussion with both older children and younger children. These issues include sacrifice, true friendship, and conserving our natural resources. The ...

Pros: Simple story and illustrations

Cons: If taken at face value, the story can be pretty sad.

Review: Many people may find this hard to believe, but I performed as a mime when I was in college. White face, red lips, black shirt, white pants. Yep. That was my creative outlet back then. Once or twice a week, I would clear some room on my busy schedule...

Pros: Gets you thinking.

Cons: The message is too sophisticated for children.

The Bottom Line: Unless you have children who are old enough to discuss the various interpretations, I would hold off on reading it with a beginner reader or younger.

Review: SUMMARY “Once there was a tree… and she loved a little boy.” Throughout the various stages of the boy’s life, the tree gives of herself so the boy can be happy. As the boy takes, he grows up and moves away from the tree. Although the ...

Pros: beautiful story, thought provoking and special

Cons: sad

The Bottom Line: One of the most beautiful children's book I know of

Review: 27 pages, $15.99 hardcover Lime Green Cover with little boy, tree and boy with arms outstretched catching a falling apple Simple reading, simple illustrations This book I first read when a special friend gave it to my husband & I for Christmas one ...

Pros: Teaches children the joys of giving, is a fun book to read.

Cons: it can be interpreted to have a negative meaning.

The Bottom Line: This is a wonderful book to share with your child. It allows you to open up, discuss the story, and actually think about the meaning.

Review: The Giving Tree is a wonderful book that I have enjoyed sharing with my children, but it can also send across the wrong message if you don't take the time to talk with your child about the story and the meaning behind it.

This is a story...

Pros: minimal words, simple drawings, ageless

Cons: adults find religious, philosophical, emotional implications (if they want to)

The Bottom Line: This one should be considered a classic if it is not already. A great book. An ageless and timeless book.

Review: An adult's book in disguise as a children's classic. This is the first thought I have when looking through my well-read copy of The Giving Tree. The book continues to convey a message to me now - even more so than when it was introduced to me...

Pros: Easy read and a story-line which has been interpreted differently by many.

Cons: Quite simple, quick read with few words and pages.

The Bottom Line: Easy read, can be read in less than 15 minutes, but take the time after reading. Your child may just shock you with their insight.

Review: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein has been a long time favorite in our home. We purchased this book for my daughters who are now 15 and 16 years old and it remains one of only a handful of cherished books from their early reading years.
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Pros: Excellent message for children, well-written, easy to read

Cons: Explanation of story may be needed for younger children

The Bottom Line: This is an excellent story that explores the joy of unconditional love and giving. I recommend this book for all ages and reading levels.

Review: The joy of unconditional giving is the basis for the classic story, The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. In this book, a tree loves a little boy, so much that she will give him everything, from the apples and leaves that adorn her branches to the...