the giving tree shel silverstein picture

This is when the boy makes a boat from the tree's trunk and sails away. There is only one time when the tree's happiness is questioned. She needs only two things in order to be happy - the presence of the boy and the ability to give him what he needs. The tree's love for the boy is a selfless love, and she expects nothing in return. You can also watch The Giving Tree movie spoken by Shel Silverstein, although the quality is not that great. Keep reading further for ideas of activities you can do with your child based on The Giving Tree. You can read more about this interpretation below, followed by some suggestions for how you can discuss themes from the book with your child. I favour the more positive interpretation that the tree represents unconditional parental love. Others view it as an environmental tale of man's selfish exploitation of nature. Some see it as a bleak portrayal of male chauvinism. Many different interpretations have been proposed for this book. It clearly shows the stark contrast between selfishness and selflessness. But if you do want to dig deeper, The Giving Tree offers opportunities to talk to your child about love, self-sacrifice, greed, and happiness. I have read it to my boys many times with very little discussion about what it all could mean.

You can, of course, just enjoy The Giving Tree without over-analysing it. However, as you dig deeper you discover many complex themes woven into the text.

On the one hand it is a simple story about the enduring friendship between a boy and a tree. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is one of the most popular classic children's picture books ever written.

The giving tree shel silverstein picture