By Shel Silverstein

Key Tree Branch Tree Stump

Key Continued Boy Adult Boy Old Boy

Key Continued Happy Sad Love

Key Continued Apple Crown Money

Key Continued House Boat Rest

Plot Overview The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is the heart-wrenching story of a boy and a tree that uses her resources to make the boy’s life easier. Based on the foundations of relationships formed from love, friendship and support, The Giving Tree is a passionate story illustrating how loved ones support one another. Its scholarly moral is a constant reminder for those of all ages that the act of giving is one that offers infinite opportunities.

Once upon a time there was a tree.

And the tree loved a boy.

And the boy loved the tree.

Everyday the boy and the tree played.

The boy made a crown out of the tree’s leaves.

And the boy would eat her apples.

And the boy would rest under her shade.

And together they were happy.

But then the boy got older.

And the tree would be sad and by herself.

And one day the older boy returned.

He asked the tree for money.

She said she had no money, only leaves and apples.

The tree told the boy to take the apples.

To sell them to have money.

The boy climbed the tree.

He took many apples.

And the tree was happy.

Because she helped the boy get money.

But the boy stayed away.

And the tree became very sad.

Until the boy returned.

“Let’s play!” said the tree.

But the boy said no.

“I do not need to play,” he said, ”I need a house.”

“Please tree, give me a house,” the boy pleaded.

“Take my branches, and build a home,” said the tree.

“This will make you and I happy,” she said.

But the boy stayed away again.

For a very long time.

And the tree was so sad.

Then the boy returned, age had made him different.

“Boy!,” the tree exclaimed, “What can I do for you?”

“I want a boat. I want to sail far away,” the boy said.

“Cut down my trunk. Make a boat.”

“It will make me happy to help,” said the tree”

And the boy carried most of the tree away.

To use his good friend to make his boat.

And the tree was happy, knowing she helped.

After a while she realized she was alone and sad.

Then the boy returned.

The tree said how little she could give as a stump.

But the boy said, “I just need a quiet place to rest.”

“And you, tree, are perfect.”

And together, they were happy.