Giving is good, as long as you don't give up your self

Author's Rating:

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.

Author's 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 about a wonderful apple tree that gives and gives. The tree is there to give anything the little boy wants and needs. It is a shady play area for the boy and gives him apples. Every time the tree gives it makes the boy happy and that makes the tree happy. Over time the tree finds it harder to make the boy happy. He has grown and doesn't need a place to play anymore. However, when he needed money she suggested that he sell her apples. When the man needed a house she said for him to use her branches for lumber. When the man was sad about being too old and was unable to play in the tree any longer the tree suggested that he cut her down and make a boat from the trunk. The man does this and all that is left is a stump of the tree where the boy had carved "Me & T". But even when there is nothing left but a stump she offers him a nice quiet place to sit.

It is easy to see this story as the tree that gives while getting nothing in return. If that is how you look at the story then it is very sad indeed and it won't be much of a favorite for your children. Of course the story is open to interpretation and can be seen in any way you feel it should be.

I see the story as a tale of love without condition. The type of love that a parent gives to a child. Of course the tree is getting something in return, the tree gets happiness. Just as a mother who loves her child gets happiness. She may have to work hard to keep her child happy and healthy but it all pays off in the end.

So the best part about the story is to ask your child what they think of the story and then talk about the different possible meanings, then let your child pick the meaning they like best. The great thing is that this story gets you thinking.

The book costs $15.95 and is a wonderful gift for any child. You can't put a price tag on a book that allows for a discussion and thinking.