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Book Title:
The Giving Tree
Author/Illustrator:
Shel Silverstein
Type of Book:
Picture Book
Age Level:
4-8
My Star Rating:
*****
Summary
- Everyday the boy came to visit the tree, swing on her branches and slide down her trunk, but as the boy grew older; he began to want different things. He would visit less often, and would take more and more from the giving tree, until one day, the tree had nothing left to give.
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My Thoughts
- I absolutely love this book, and the unconditional love it shows. “The Giving Tree” just melts me heart every time I read it, and it is impossible for me to read this story and feel emotionless. Silverstein captures my heart in his simple illustrations, and in his meaningful text. As a reader, I look for books that will shift my understanding, and leave me feeling impacted, and that is exactly what Silverstein does in “The Giving Tree”. With his cartoon-style illustrations, and black and white story, I feel myself personally going on the journey of the remarkable friendship seen between the boy and his tree.
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How to Use in the Classroom
- I imagine bringing this book into my classroom during story time. I would have all my students gather around, and I would introduce this book with a mysterious tone in my voice. I would set up the book first, as one of my favorite books, a book that is so special to me, and one that makes my heart feel warm inside. I would ask the kids if they have ever read a book like that, and I would let them share a few of their own favorite books. Then, I would bring out my copy of “The Giving Tree”, and ask if any of them have read this story before, for those who have, I would ask them to see if they learn anything new, and for those who haven’t, I would tell them to see if they can figure out why I love this book so much. Then we would read it together, I would prompt for predictions, and I would comment on the themes/illustrations. At the end of the book, we would discuss who liked it, and why they liked it, and then, we would talk about what makes us like a certain book, and what makes us dislike a certain book, and this conversation could turn into a mini lesson on writing, as well as, a mini lesson on figuring out which types of books we should look for personally, based on what we like/dislike.
More Resources
The Giving Tree was my ABSOLUTE favorite book growing up. I remember my mom telling me that I would sit and read this book over and over again for hours. I agree with you that the way Silverstein wrote and illustrated this book makes you really feel impacted by the friendship that the boy and the tree have!
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