The Giving Tree 40th Anniversary Edition Book with CD

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Summary: The Giving Tree
Review: I was first introduced to this book when I was a 2nd grader, I don't really remember much of it, I don't think a 2nd grader has the capability to understand the powerful message brought forth by this book, and if they could, I don't think they can relate to the boy... yet. I re-read this book when I was 18 at a book store, I almost cried, it is the saddest book I have ever read. It is also my favorite. This book makes you want to go give your mother a big hug.

Rating:
Summary: The Giving Tree
Review: I just bought this book for my 3 year old and returned it without reading it to her. If you think this is a book about a boy and a tree, which on the most superficial level it is, then it is a story about a selfish, ungrateful exploitative boy and the havoc he can wreak on the environment. If you think for even a few more seconds about this book, you will probably be tempted to think allegorically (after all, were Aesop's Fables REALLY about tortoises and hares?) in which case it is either a story about a hugely sacrificing mother and her rotten, exploitative son who finishes the tale by sitting on her (for which she is grateful) or it is a cautionary tale for people considering entering an abusive relationship.

The inside cover says it is about unconditional love (which it is) and about learning to receive love (which it isn't). I read it to both my husband and my mother (both regular not-politically correct people) and they were both horrified that this is marketed as a story for kids. It is a powerful book, but it is not for kids.

I agree that the author picture is frightening, although if the book were worth keeping I wouldn't have let that stop me.

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Summary: What does this book REALLY say to children?
Review: I agree with the reviewer who says we need to think more about this book and the message it sends. Not only does it tell children they have to give up too much of themselves in order to please others, but the tree in the book is a "she" who gives everything of herself to the boy/man, AND IS HAPPY ABOUT IT! Yikes!

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Summary: Wonderful Classic for Anyone to Learn from
Review: This book is about giving. In today's society books like this are needed to remind us about the importance of sharing and being on the giving end of things.
This book is great for a parent to read to their children. I agree with the one reviewer who says that the picture on the back cover is scary for if you judged this book by it's back cover you would never guess it's content!

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Summary: We need to think more about this book
Review: The Giving Tree, seems like a lovely book and many people are not critical of it because it is tied to fond childhood memories. However, The Giving Tree is far too much about giving up everything for someone else at one's own expense. It is not a good lesson for children that everything they need will be given to them by someone who loves them, even if it means that person must lose part of themselves.

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Summary: Scary Back Cover
Review: I love the book, I just want to know whos decision it was to put the scariest possible picture of the author on the back cover. When my daughter saw his picture she started to cry. Thanks Alot......!

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Summary: A beautiful story ...
Review: Last night, I read this book, my first-ever reading, to my 5-year old. By the end of the story I was quite teary-eyed. In my mind this book moved me for one simple reason; it is the most eloquent expression of love that I have ever read.

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Summary: A simple expression of love
Review: Few stories this simple express so much. "The Giving Tree" speaks to its readers in so many ways, which is a testament to its brilliance.

Parents read it as a parable about having children and providing for them and loving them unconditionally.

Christians read it and find a fresh retelling of Christ's sacrificial love.

Those in a relationship find a model of how to love their partner in any and all circumstances.

This book is a healing salve for anyone who has loved someone so much that it hurt, a poignant message of hope for anyone who has experienced rejection, an invitation to seek forgiveness for anyone who has abandoned or neglected someone they loved.