The Giving Tree by Shel SilversteinA little books has a relationship with a tree. He consistently asks for things, the tree consistently gives him things.
Mom's Review: I really liked the hidden complexities of this simple story. What does the tree symbolize? A giving mother? A self-sacrificing mother? A mother who suffers from martyr-syndrome? I don't know. Sometimes a talking tree just needs to be a talking tree. Was the boy greedy and selfish or did he just know that the tree was something he could always rely on? Again, I don't know. It doesn't matter. The words were expertly chosen. The illustrations are simple and clear. I look forward to reading this book again.
Daughter's Review: It's nice. I don't like that the pictures aren't colored in. I liked that the tree gave stuff to the little boy.
I've never read this but I do want to get it for Peyton.
ReplyDeleteJaime, I love your idea for this blog. Brilliant. I have always HATED The Giving Tree. I have always refused to read it with my kids. To me, it promotes martyrdom which I think is a really unhealthy way to relate to the world.
ReplyDeleteJamie- I'd borrow it from the library before you buy it.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous (but I know who you are!)- I'm going back and forth with this, but I kind of do agree with you. Maybe it's not great as a kid's book, but more of a form of poetry. Like I said, sometimes I just want a talking tree to be a talking tree. :)