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The Giving Tree Hardcover – Picture Book, January 1, 1964
Purchase options and add-ons
From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans.
"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation.
The Giving Tree is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers.
Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit plus Runny Babbit Returns.
- Print length64 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade level2 - 3
- Lexile measure530L
- Dimensions7.5 x 0.38 x 10 inches
- PublisherHarperCollins
- Publication dateJanuary 1, 1964
- ISBN-100060256656
- ISBN-13978-0060256654
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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com Review
Review
“If you’re looking for a children’s book that teaches generosity or unselfishness, most people will point you right to The Giving Tree, Shel Silverstein’s lovely story of a tree that will do anything for the boy it loves—and for good reason. This classic is always a good place to start.” — Brightly
From the Back Cover
"Once there was a tree . . . and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk . . . and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older, he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave.
Since it was first published fifty years ago, Shel Silverstein's moving parable for readers of all ages has offered an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.
About the Author
Shel Silverstein 's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, as well as classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperCollins; First Edition (January 1, 1964)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 64 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0060256656
- ISBN-13 : 978-0060256654
- Reading age : 2+ years, from customers
- Lexile measure : 530L
- Grade level : 2 - 3
- Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 7.5 x 0.38 x 10 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #469 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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About the author

"And now, children, your Uncle Shelby is going to tell you a story about a very strange lion- in fact, the strangest lion I have ever met." So begins Shel Silverstein's very first children's book, Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. It's funny and sad and has made readers laugh and think since it was published in 1963. It was followed the next year by three more books. The first of them, The Giving Tree, is a moving story about the love of a tree for a boy. Shel returned to humor the same year with A Giraffe and a Half, delighting readers with a most riotous ending. The third book in 1964 was Uncle Shelby's Zoo Don't Bump the Glump! and Other Fantasies, Shel's first poetry collection, and his first and only book illustrated in full color. It combined his unique imagination and bold brand of humor in this collection of silly and scary creatures. Shel's second collection of poems and drawings, Where the Sidewalk Ends, was published in 1974. His recording of the poems won him a Grammy for best Children's Album. In this collection, Shel invited children to dream and dare to imagine the impossible, from a hippopotamus sandwich to the longest nose in the world. With his next collection of poems and drawings, A Light in the Attic, published in 1981, Shel asked his readers to turn the light on in their attics, to put something silly in the world, and not to be discouraged by the Whatifs. Instead he urged readers to catch the moon or invite a dinosaur to dinner- to have fun! A Light in the Attic was the first children's book to break onto the New York Times Bestseller List, where it stayed for a record-breaking 182 weeks. The last book that was published before his death in 1999 was Falling Up (1996). Like his other books, it is filled with unforgettable characters. Shel Silverstein's legacy continued with the release of a new work,Runny Babbit, the first posthumous publication conceived and completed before his death and released in March 2005. Witty and wondrous, Runny Babbit is a poetry collection of simple spoonerismsH, which twist the tongue and tease the mind. Don't Bump the Glump! And Other Fantasies was recently reissued in 2008 after being unavailable for over 30 years. Shel was always a believer in letting his work do the talking for him--few authors have ever done it better.
Customer reviews
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Customers find the book's message meaningful and enlightening. They find it an excellent gift for children and appreciate its simple presentation. Readers praise the writing style as easy to read and well-written, suitable for young readers.
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Customers enjoy the book's message. They find it meaningful and wonderful, with a great life lesson that speaks to the mind and heart simultaneously. The book makes them think and has lessons at different levels, making it suitable for reading with young children.
"...still loves the tree that gave him so much fun and pleasure and product in life...." Read more
"...just lives this one he keeps going back to it lol I love it too great life lesson" Read more
"A timeless classic story that speaks to the mind and heart at once, teaching them both much. A book for the young and old." Read more
"Great message" Read more
Customers enjoy the book as a gift for children. They find it an engaging story about giving and gratitude. The book is described as a delightful tale of selfless love and giving.
"...It makes a wonderful gift" Read more
"A classic book to gift. I grew up reading the giving tree and it is one of my favorite books on the planet! I purchased this for my nephew" Read more
"It was a gift. It’s great for all ages." Read more
"This is a book about the joy of giving and remembering not to take advantage of those who give with all they have." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and well-written. They appreciate the simple presentation that allows for complex themes. The pages are thick and the story is clear, poetic, and poetic.
"...A lovely story to share with your kids and an easy one to read for first time readers." Read more
"...The Giving Tree is a simple presentation which lends itself to complex overlapping messages on love (whether divine, parental or otherwise),..." Read more
"...I like that the pages are nice and thick and it just seems like a very quality made book. I feel like every child should have this book...." Read more
"I loved the illustrations And The simple to read words and teaches relationships" Read more
Reviews with images
Such a wonderful story and amazing book to gift! A Classic!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on October 18, 2024This book is about a tree that gives and gives and gives (like a parent) to a child. The child moves away... the tree gave up so much to the boy through life, even his wood.. till there's nothing left but a stump. When all is said and done, the boy still loves the tree that gave him so much fun and pleasure and product in life. In the end the boy, now an old man, comes back to visit and reminisce of all that the tree provided & his youthful times growing up playing in the tree. This book makes me cry every time I read it and I've read it to my kids and my grandkids and I still cry. It's such a tender sweet book. I bought this at birth so parents could start reading it to the kids and have it when they're 2 and 3 years old. We start reading to children early.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 24, 2024This is a great book to teach children about love. I had a hard time reading to my children without getting weepy. It makes a wonderful gift
- Reviewed in the United States on November 3, 2024I buy 5 6 7 books a week and this boy just lives this one he keeps going back to it lol I love it too great life lesson
- Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2024This was my Daughter’s favorite book. I was lucky to add three Great Grandkids to my family this fall and got a copy for each one- I am sure they will enjoy it too. A lovely story to share with your kids and an easy one to read for first time readers.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024A timeless classic story that speaks to the mind and heart at once, teaching them both much. A book for the young and old.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2024This book is popular with adults also! My entire family has a copy. This was for my adult sister who lost her copy to hurricane flooding.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024I just read this to my 10 year old Autistic son and started crying like a lost vault of emotion was opened up into my soul. Pretty serious emotional response to a children’s book, but here we are.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2024Christmas gift for granddaughter. Too young to understand but cute book.
Top reviews from other countries
REAL12Reviewed in Canada on November 13, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous book for kids and adults.
This book always makes me tear at the end for some reason. I find that the story tells a tale of our mortality and in giving of ourselves for me. His other books are equally great! Where the sidewalk ends was a fave as a child!
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Gabriele barbosaReviewed in Brazil on February 27, 20245.0 out of 5 stars nao lemos ainda
vamos ler
Li-LaReviewed in the United Kingdom on September 4, 20245.0 out of 5 stars A Heartfelt and Timeless Story About Unconditional Love
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.
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Cliente AmazonReviewed in Spain on July 3, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Precioso libro
Precioso libro para niños
Nina HopewellReviewed in Germany on April 5, 20245.0 out of 5 stars Classic
I bought this for my 2 year old daughter and even tho she's so little, she loves the book. This will last us for years, since the story is so timeless






































