Module 1: The Giving Tree

.  Courtesy amazon.com

Summary:  The story starts with the tree having everything it should (it's trunk, limbs, leaves, etc.)  The story goes through different stages of the boy's life.  As each stage arrives, the tree, like a parent, is giving something of itself to help the boy during that stage.  Once the boy is an old man, the tree has given everything it has to give and is glad of it. 

Reference:  Silverstein, S. (1964). The giving tree. New York, NY: Harper Collings Publishers.

My Impressions:  The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein reminds me of a parent giving all for his/her child.  It shows how a parent is willing to give everything he or she has to see that their child is taken care of.  This is a wonderful book that I could read over and over.

Professional Review: 

The Giving Tree shares the story of a young boy and his lifetime relationship with a certain apple tree. But it is much more than that. It is also a story of giving (and taking or receiving), friendship, happiness, loyalty, sacrifice, gratitude, happiness, and most importantly - love. The tree ultimately gives everything for the boy without receiving much in return. The theme or message of the book has been interpreted in many different ways. It can be very simply understood by a second grader, or an adult can search for a deeper meaning.

Professional Review Reference:
Brodie, C. (2009, September)  The giving tree by Shel Silverstein - a forty-five year celebration.  [Review of the book The Giving Tree, by S. Silverstein].  School Library Monthly 26(1), page 22.  Retrieved from http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/

Library Uses:  This book would be good to use for comparison of styles of writing.  Some of his books are written in a completely different style.  Another use would be to study illustrations.  Sometimes the simplest illustrations can convey lots of meaning.