Rating: 
Summary: Not for my grandkids!
Review: Children don't need to get the impression that unqualified love is about one being sacrificing everything - right down to life itself - for the other's convenience. But most kids are smart enough to know that already. My main objection to this book is that it's so maudlin. It's not for my grandkids! They'd say yeccch! i only give it one star because there's no lower option.
Rating: 
Summary: A LIFE-LONG LESSON
Review: So many aspects of this book will teach children (and adults) how to be better friends and people. I am 24, a college grad with honors and I STILL consider this my favorite book. We should all learn to be as unselfish as the Tree, and to appreciate the 'Tree' in our life.
Rating:
Summary: A book deserving of ten stars........
Review: I mourned at the loss of Shel Silverstein, a brillant talent who died last year. It brought back memories of this book, "The Giving Tree" which was given to me when I was around five or so. As a grown woman, I can say without any hesitation, that this tender book still makes me cry to this very day. How such love can be expressed in the simplest of words and drawings is truly remarkable. I have given a copy of this book to all of my close friends and family who've had babies with a message to hold on to it for their children and to read and reflect upon it's message often. It is Shel's gift to the world.
Rating: 
Summary: It made me sad
Review: I got the giving tree for my birthday a long time ago, and my mom read it to me and i cried because it was about her. And for a long time all i could think of when i saw her was that she was a stump and that i took all her branches and i didnt even know. Sometimes i think about it still, even though shes dead.But I think that Mr. Silverstein understands the world, and so I give this book Three Stars!
Rating:
Summary: It's more fortunate to give than to take.
Review: Having read the book a few times, I let my 7-year old son read it. His first response, upon completion, is "the boy is selfish", a fair and natural comment from a child of his age. During the subsequent discussion with him, it is not my goal to change his view towards the boy, but to add to him different perspectives of the story, perhaps the title of the book to start with. It is "The Giving Tree", not "The Selfish Boy",not"The Taking Boy".... In the traditional Chinese belief, there is the saying "It's more fortunate to give than to take". It is normally the rich gives the poor; the physically competent helps the physically handicapped. It is, however,difficult today in our part of the world (I believe, so do most developed and developing cities) to bring our children to appreciate the intrinsic value behind this belief. Taking is a pleasure apparently to most children. What about giving? Do our children have enough giving exposure before or after one or many taking experience? Unfortunately, my son doesn't, even though he did comment the boy selfish. To highlight,in the book, the tree was happy everytime the boy came to it. To be able to offer something unconditionally to the boy everytime is a pleasure. The tree wanted the boy to come back and wanted to give more. There is nothing wrong with the tree, but neither with the boy to be offered and to take. It is just that the boy, or the author did not write intentionally, that the boy has never expressed any gratitude to the tree or to offer something in return. Does it matter so long as the tree was happy, happy to give? I read a review from a California's reader and quite understand where he/she comes from when he/she said a book on "love without conditions" is not one he/she would give any child. This is the concern of most parents/teachers. The value of this book to young readers will only exist if we parents/teachers bring our children to different perspectives under our support in reviewing the philosophy of "The Giving Tree". I enjoy reading the book and, having talked with my son, I become confident of recommending this book to those who want children learn the beauty of giving.
Rating:
Summary: Opportunities Abound
Review: The plot is simple. Boy grows up, Tree nurtures and supports boys decisions as he proceeds through life. Shel Silverstein, however, works his magic through this simple tale, and not many will close the cover without memories, hopes, and desires for this kind of unconditional love. This is not just some vapid meaningless story, however. As with any literature, its importance comes from the issues that can be raised by its content, and The Giving Tree does just that. Instead of being reading that is just there to put your child down for the night, this book is an opportunity to talk about the importance of respect in relationships with your child. If you do not discuss what you've read you have really lost a chance to help your child understand the world around him/her. This is a superior book. Judge for yourself next time at the store. It is at least worth an initial read.
Rating:
Summary: A Timeless Classic
Review: The Giving Tree is a book about friendship and devotion. I find it sad that people choose to rip apart such a touching book and over-analyze it so much that its meaning is completely misconstrued. Shel Silverstein honestly tells the story of a friendship between a boy and a tree that spans their relationship from childhood to old age. It is a timeless book that when we're children, reminds us of the importance of sharing, giving and unconditional love. As adults, it reminds us that it might take a lifetime to realize what is truly important in life and that we always seem to return to where we belong. I love this book even more now than I did as a child, but it is appropriate for any age. I read it to my 2 and 6 year old cousins and they adored it. I read it aloud for a college class and they loved it. I gave it to a very special friend as a birthday gift and he has always treasured it. Mr. Silverstein gave us a special treat when he wrote this book. I only wish that he was still here to give us more like it.
Rating:
Summary: "Teach a Child to Take"
Review: After reading this book and reading a few reviews from customers, I had to respond. This book is not one I would give any child. This is unconditional love? Love without conditions? Giving children permission and approval to take regardless of the outcome of others just to satisfy their own wants and needs is a life we want our children to live? The message is quite clear.."you are entitled to whatever you want whenever you want, at any cost to anyone else. Just be happy and take, and make certain there is nothing left of the person giving"
Rating:
Summary: Beautifully simple, simply beautiful
Review: Unlike the late, great Mr. Silverstein, I find it difficult to put into a few words how I feel about this wonderful book. Boy meets tree, tree gives of itself in every way possible, boy and tree are forever linked--not unlike the bond between mother and child. The unconditional love that radiates from this fable touched me in ways that I couldn't have believed possible. What an amazing man we have lost.
Rating:
Summary: A glorious tale of self-sacrifice
Review: A beautiful story of self-sacrifice, a tree who, over time, gives up everything to aid the little boy she loves deeply. My little sister cried when she read it, but not because of the undeniable note of sadness that runs through the book. She said that the tree was completely beautiful. Though people see this book as a negative gender stereotype, I prefer to see the tree as being a mother figure for the boy, self-sacrificing for the child she loved.
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