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The Giving Tree
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The Giving Tree Library binding - 2003

by Shel Silverstein; Shel Silverstein (Illustrator)

This story of a boy who grows to manhood, and of a tree that gives him her bounty through the years, is a moving parable about the gift of giving and the capacity to love.


About this book

Written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein, The Giving Tree is a children’s picture book that tells the life stories of a female apple tree and a boy who are able to communicate with each other. In very few words with minimalist drawings, Silverstein’s popular parable explores not only the gift of giving, but also one’s capacity to love.  

The Giving Tree received much recognition and praise, making lists such as “Top 100 Picture Books” by School Library Journal, “100 Greatest Books for Kids” by Parent & Child magazine, and “Best Children’s Books” by Goodreads as well as ranking 14th on the "All-Time Bestselling Children's Books” by Publishers Weekly. It has been translated into more than 30 languages.

From the publisher

From Shel Silverstein, New York Times bestselling author of Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic, comes a poignant picture book about love and acceptance, cherished for over fifty years. This classic is perfect for both young readers and lifelong fans.

"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. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

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.

The Giving Tree is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers.

Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with Lafcadio, the Lion Who Shot Back. He is also the creator of picture books including A Giraffe and a Half, Who Wants a Cheap Rhinoceros?, The Missing Piece, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O, and the perennial favorite The Giving Tree, and of classic poetry collections such as Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, Falling Up, Every Thing On It, Don't Bump the Glump!, and Runny Babbit plus Runny Babbit Returns.

From the rear cover

"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.

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.

First Edition Identification

With only 5,000-7,000 copies, the first edition of The Giving Tree was published by Harper & Row in 1964. The dust jacket on first editions list the original price of $2.50.

Details

  • Title The Giving Tree
  • Author Shel Silverstein; Shel Silverstein (Illustrator)
  • Binding Library Binding
  • Edition Library Binding
  • Pages 64
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher HarperCollins, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
  • Date 2003-04-15
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780060256661 / 0060256664
  • Weight 1.05 lbs (0.48 kg)
  • Dimensions 10.32 x 7.87 x 0.57 in (26.21 x 19.99 x 1.45 cm)
  • Ages 04 to 08 years
  • Grade levels P - 3
  • Reading level 530
  • Library of Congress subjects Trees, Generosity
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 64011840
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

Citations

  • Hornbook Guide to Children, 07/01/2003, Page 341
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The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
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  • Hardcover
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Used - Acceptable
Binding
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ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
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HarperCollins, 2003. Hardcover. Acceptable. Disclaimer:A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. Pages can include considerable notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes cannot obscure the text. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
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The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
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Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins, 2003. Hardcover. Acceptable. Disclaimer:A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. Pages can include considerable notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes cannot obscure the text. An ex-library book and may have standard library stamps and/or stickers. The dust jacket is missing. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
Item Price
NZ$10.28
FREE shipping to USA
The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
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Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins, 2003. Hardcover. Acceptable. Disclaimer:A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact. Pages can include considerable notes-in pen or highlighter-but the notes cannot obscure the text. The dust jacket is missing. At ThriftBooks, our motto is: Read More, Spend Less.
Item Price
NZ$10.35
FREE shipping to USA
The Giving Tree
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
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ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
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The Giving Tree
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
6
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
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HarperCollins Publishers. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
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The Giving Tree
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The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
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ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
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The Giving Tree
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The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
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Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
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This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
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Description:
HarperCollins Publishers. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA
The Giving Tree
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
1
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Seller rating:
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Description:
HarperCollins Publishers. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA
The Giving Tree
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
5
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins Publishers. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA
The Giving Tree
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

The Giving Tree

by Silverstein, Shel

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 13
9780060256661
ISBN 10
0060256664
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
HarperCollins Publishers. Used - Very Good. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
NZ$13.02
FREE shipping to USA