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The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein · 1964

The Giving Tree is a picture book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein and first published by Harper & Row in 1964. In spare prose and simple line drawings, it follows the lifelong relationship between an apple tree… more

First published 1964 · 64 pages · English

5 quotes ★ 4.39 (1,255,428) Classics

Quotes from the Book

Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.
... and she loved a boy very, very much-- even more than she loved herself.
And after a long time the boy came back again. "I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you- My apples are gone." "My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy. "My branches are gone," said the tree. "You cannot swing on them-" "I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy. "My trunk is gone," said the tree. "You cannot climb-" "I am too tired to climb," said the boy. "I am sorry," sighed the tree. "I wish that I could give you something... but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry..." "I don't need very much now," said the boy, "just a quiet pleace to sit and rest. I am very tired." "Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, "well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.
Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest." And the boy did. And the tree was happy.
And the boy loved the tree.......very much. And the tree was happy.

Did you know?

  • Shel Silverstein both wrote and illustrated the book.
  • The story was first published on October 7, 1964.
  • The book has been called one of the most divisive titles in children's literature.
  • Silverstein narrated a 1973 animated short film based on the book.
  • It has been reinterpreted in numerous parodies over the years.

About Shel Silverstein

Shel Silverstein (1930-1999) was an American writer, cartoonist, poet, songwriter, and musician, best known for children's books such as The Giving Tree and Where the Sidewalk Ends and for country songs including "A Boy Named Sue."

More about the author →

More by Shel Silverstein

About the book

The Giving Tree is a picture book written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein and first published by Harper & Row in 1964. In spare prose and simple line drawings, it follows the lifelong relationship between an apple tree and a boy. As a child the boy climbs the tree, swings from her branches, and eats her apples; as he grows older his visits become transactional, and the tree gives away her apples, then her branches, then her trunk to meet his changing wants, until only a stump remains.

The book turns on themes of giving, sacrifice, and love, and it has been read in strikingly different ways. Some see the tree as a model of selfless, unconditional love, an emblem of parenthood or of Mother Nature's bounty; others read the same story as a portrait of a one-sided, even exploitative relationship in which the boy takes without gratitude or reciprocity. That openness to interpretation is a large part of why the slim volume continues to provoke discussion among readers, parents, and teachers.

Decades after publication, The Giving Tree remains one of Silverstein's best-known works and one of the most debated titles in children's literature, with millions of copies sold and translations into many languages. Its blend of tenderness and unease has made it a fixture of classrooms and gift shelves and a frequent subject of essays, sermons, and parodies that test its message from every angle.

Key characters

  • The TreeAn apple tree who loves the boy and gives him whatever he asks for
  • The BoyA boy whose changing wants shape the tree's sacrifices as he grows into an old man

Book details

First published
1964
Length
64 pages
Reading time
1 hour
Goodreads rating
4.39 (1.3M ratings) →
First line
“Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.”

Movie & TV adaptations

  • IMDb
    The Giving Tree 1973

    Animated short film narrated by Shel Silverstein.

If you liked this, read…

  1. 1
    Where the Sidewalk EndsSilverstein's beloved poetry-and-drawings collection in the same voice.
  2. 2
    The Missing PieceAnother spare Silverstein fable about wanting, completeness, and letting go.
  3. 3
    Love You ForeverA picture book on lifelong parental love and sacrifice across a child's life.
The Giving Tree The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein Get the book
1964·★ 4.39 (1.3M)
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