This is a book that you will want to keep long after your little one has grown up.

My dad used to read us this book when we were little. I loved this book then, and I still love it now. Its such a touching story that every child should read.

While it is just a short, little childrens' book that can be read in five minutes, it's one of the sweetest books you can read.
I first read it in a bookstore at the urging of a friend. It brought tears to my eyes, right there in the store. I had to buy it, even though my daughter was still a baby and we were quite poor.
On the surface, the book appears to be about the relationship of a boy and an apple tree (which is referred to with a feminine pronoun). The boy loves the tree and the tree loves the boy. As the boy grows up, the tree always meets his needs, offering herself willingly because of her love for the boy.
As for the deeper meaning, it has been the subject of debate. I think it demonstrates the sacrificial love of parents toward their children. Although you could argue that the boy seems to be selfish and unappreciative of all the tree gives him, that is the nature of children. It's also normal for parents to want to provide for their children.
It is a poignant, sweet story. I don't regret buying it.

Since the day my grade two teacher first read The Giving Tree to my class, I have been in love with the story. As an adult I realize that the messages it sends to readers, young and old, to live and love, and never stop being a kid, is clear and very important. I always wondered whether or not the tree was right in giving the boy everything he needed, and whether or not it was right to want so much from the tree. Either the way, the sadness at the end is real and teaches children to appreciate what they have because you never know if it may be taken away. I also love how Silverstein illustrates the different stages in life; very real and very effective. I will always enjoy this read; for myself, my students and my own children one day.

I just don't get it. This is a story of a man's life from boyhood to old age and the life of a glorious tree to its final destiny as a stump - the gift of itself to the man. Both grow and diminsh with the boy only taking and the tree only giving. As this is written in a simple format, I would imagine many a child has heard this story. I think this parable is one that is too complex for a young mind to understand. The Giving Tree does not teach us anything about giving - and that is not something I want to teach to any child.

GET THIS BOOK!!!

There was a little boy and a tree. The little boy loved the tree. He would swing in the tree's branches and sleep in the tree's shade. Sometimes he would eat apples off the tree, but as time passed, he grew older and older. When he was a teenager he asked the tree to give him money, the tree said "I can't give you money but I can give you apples to sell". He got older and older and he asked for more things, when he was old the tree said "I can't give you anything else because I have already given you everything I have she said sadly. The boy said "that's okay because I only need a quiet place to sit. "Well then", said the tree straightening herself up ''you may sit on me

This book is so amazing in it's morals, and just the overall idea behind it. I find this book hard to read without wanting to cry at the tree's pain. It's a great read for kids and adults alike!

This is a wonderful book, that should not be overlooked. Its message is wonderful and moving, and a great book for children. I can't say enough of the message in which this book puts forth.

It is incredible the strength of the mind of a child. I walked into Chapters the other day, and I glanced at the book on the shelf...I hadn't read it since I was a child...and it brought a sense of awe, I couldn't even remember why, until I read it again. I truly love this author.

I rated this book 5/5 because it teaches your kid(s) a lesson. This story is about a little boy who always wants something and his friend the tree always gives him all he has (even if it isnt the best)he would do anything to make that little boy happy. The boy always got his way and the tree felt good about himslef because he made someone else happy and that was all that mattered to the tree. When the boy was an elder man.......... WEll I cant go on much longer how about this super book, you read it yourself, it is a great book and my whole class agrees with me.If you do get this book when you finish reading it to your child ask him/her what did you learn? or What was this story about? if they dont understand explain it to them in easy words so they can understand better. This is a great book!

Oh... what a lovely book. I'm a student teacher and I was in a classroom where the teacher read the book aloud to the children, and I almost broke down in tears! What a touching book. I was so touched that I went out and bought a copy to give to my parents. They are my Giving Tree.

Shel Silverstein manages to capture the soul of sacrifice in an increadibly simple portrayal of the relationship between a boy and his tree. The book explores the depth of human selfishness, and the selfless sacrifice of Christ. This is a powerful story of sacrifice spurred by love.

I was amazed by the power of this book. It's simple wordings and clean pictures can reach the heart of every reader, young or old.It brings out different feelings from readers of different age and life experience.My six years old girl enjoyed this picture book over and over again but I am the one who burst into tears when I went through the pages....and I am not the only one!

This was one of those books that pulls on the heart strings. I once again gives us a simple yet important lesson in live. I thought it was real cute.

A definite quick but needed read

I have used this book in the classroom with various ages, and find it extremely helpful in getting across the message of sharing. Its a powerful book, and has great hidden meanings that can be explored and discussed as a class.

This book was first read to me when I was only 4 years old. My mother had taken it out for me from the local library. I absolutly loved it and still do 16 years later. It gives a message to people of all ages that should be cherished.

There's nothing like it. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

A simple, yet complete representation of unconditional love. Like the love a father has for his child.

The Giving Tree is the sweetest book i have ever read.