The Giving Tree was published in 1964 and has been one of Shel Silverstein’s most famous and beloved works. Even though it was written as a children’s book, The Giving Tree and its various interpretations have been discussed and debated by adults the world around.
‘Once there was a tree…and she loved a little boy.’
So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.
Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk…and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree,
and the tree gave and gave and gave.This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.
Young Adult Mag: You are most known for your works of children’s poetry.
Shel Silverstein: Yes, my collections Where The Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up were very successful.
YA: What would you say are the major themes of your poems?
SS: I always tried to show very earnest portrayals of children. Children are dirty, mean, sweet, misguided, selfless, honest, and pure all at once, and I wanted to do work that showed readers that children are what they are.
YA: What other kind of works have you done?
SS: I wrote songs for a lot of famous recording artists, such as Johnny Cash, Tompall Glasser, and Loretta Lynn.
YA: The Giving Tree is one of your most famous works. It’s often read aloud at events such as graduations, anniversary parties, and funerals. Why do you think this is?
SS: I think that people respond to the concept of unconditional love. It’s a concept that comes up in all kinds of relationships, which is why is applied to so many significant life events.
Purchase The Giving Tree