The Giving Tree

Today I went to the bookstore to read children's picture books...how much better could a Sunday afternoon get!?  I picked The Giving Tree by Shel Silvestein as the fourth book on my list.  This book tells so much with so few words.  It is also one of the most depressing picture books I have ever read.  After everything the tree does for the boy, he never really seems appreciative.  In the beginning everything seems so good, and then so many things change.  I think everyone can relate to this book, and maybe children can even learn a lesson from it.  Everything changes, but it isn't always a happy thing for everyone.  In a sense, I also think this book has a very spiritual aspect to it.  The tree, perhaps a symbol for a higher being, gives everything to the boy and expects nothing in return.  This is much how the Bible describes our relationship with God.  He gave/gives us everything, and so many of us are ungrateful.  

Another amazing part of this book is the drawings.  They are so full of life and explanation, even though they are so simple and cute.  Shel Silverstein is a wonderful author and artist!