Like many other blogging moms out there, no doubt, we've created a "thankful tree" this year. While the little guy napped, I created a quick tree out of brown construction paper and cut out some leaves. When he woke, I explained that it was a "thankful tree," and that we would write things on the leaves that he is thankful for. I asked him to tell me things he was grateful for. The leaves here were his first batch, with no prompting from me (I did prompt him on other days, to help him understand what grateful meant). Among his answers: Mama, Dada, games, balloons, yellow, and walks outside. In general, I'm really happy with how much he seems to understand the idea of being thankful. He's not even 2 yet, so I think he's doing well to get it at all.
Review:
The Giving Tree, by Shel Silverstein. I read this book years ago, as a single girl in her 20's, as I happened by it in a bookstore. I was a huge fan of Shel Silverstein's wacky poems when I was younger (still am), so it immediately caught my eye. I didn't like it. It wasn't what I expected, and I put it down and moved on. Now, as a parent, I wondered if my opinion had been too hasty, so I recently reread it. Again, I found it depressing. But then I came home, and kept thinking about it. And then I thought maybe I really liked it. A lovely story about the selfless nature of motherhood. But then I thought, "no, maybe I still don't." A depressing view of motherhood in which a child takes more and more from her, as she desperately longs for his attention, and he abandons her throughout most of her life. I know many people who love it. Yes, I realize this is not a very helpful review. I haven't reviewed the book for two months since reading it, because I am really not sure how I feel about it. So, instead, I'm just posting this as an open query: do YOU like it? Why or why not?Excerpt:
"But the boy stayed away for a long time... And the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, 'Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.'"
Bookworm's interest at 22 months: We tried reading it together at a friend's house, but he hopped off my lap and played while I finished it myself.
17 comments:
As you understand, I have never heard of Shel Silverstein before I became a mother and plunged into English kidlit. I read the book and didn't like it at all. I found it depressing. My friends always joke that Russian literature is depressing. Well, Silverstein can give some Russian writers a run for their money. I have no intention to read it to Anna any time soon - I am sure that she will find it very disturbing or won't understand at all.
This is really interesting - I've seen so many good review of it but have not read it myself. Although I know I don't like leaving negative reviews on my blog, I do think they can be useful and stimulating - I'm certainly *grateful* for your review and perspective. In a funny way it make me want to read the book even more! I'm off to the library anyway this morning, so we'll see if I can get it :-)
We own the book. I like it. Some books are sad. Puff the Magic Dragon makes me cry but I love it. I think this book can spark a valuable discussion with children of the right age.
@Raising', Have you read Shel Silverstein's poetry books? Where the Sidewalk Ends and a Light in the Attic were my favorites when I was younger. I didn't think poems could get much cleverer.
@Zoe, let me know what you think of it! I hate to leave negative reviews too. But I figure Shel Silverstein can take it. :) And I LOVE his poetry books.
@Christy, I'm glad your family likes the book!
I have always loved Shel Silverstein's poetry and books. I adored him as a kid and my kids love him too. Except for that book. I disliked The Giving Tree as a kid and I can't stand it to this day. I have always considered the boy selfish, inconsiderate and thoughtless. And the tree always made me angry for being a doormat (never thought of it as the mother figure until you said so. Hmmm) My mother, however, has always loved the book. She thought it was sweet. Clearly it's open to interpretation.
I never found it depressing, but I do remember kind of thinking the boy was a jerk.
I think it really depends on how you're looking at it... And how bad of a day you're having as a mom. ;)
Nice. It turned out great! I enjoyed your post on Playing By the Book yesterday!
I'm a do not. She just gives and gives and he takes and takes. SO depressing.
I cannot read that book without crying. Sometimes it's okay to read sad books.
I haven't read that particular book, but I'm not a huge fan of Shel Silverstein. Maybe I'll learn to appreciate him someday.
Oh, have you read the Amazon.com reviews for this book? It is interesting reading, for sure! Many opinions. One of the funniest opinions is that this book should not be for children but reserved for college level philosophy classes??!!??
I am rather sure my mother read me this book and used it as a moral lesson not to be selfish like the boy. Doh!
This is one of my husband's favorite books from his childhood.
I do not know what to think of it now.... my husband had brought it home for our first born and I told him I didn't like it, and then he said it was a favorite and now we have it and have read it and I have just let it pass. No use getting too worked up over a children's book.
Well, I have to admit that I feel a bit glad that I'm not the "only one." I always feel bad when I don't care for a book.
@Karen, yes, I browsed the amazon reviews quickly. They are interesting! I like the idea of using it to teach a child NOT to be selfish.
I always loved The Giving Tree - it reminds me of my mom because she read it to me often. I always felt the book was about unconditional love - the love of a mother. That's how I feel about it now as a mother. Now I wonder what people will say about "Love You Forever" by Robert Munsch.
@Librarian Mommy, I actually had "Love You Forever" in my hand at the library this week and didn't take it home. I've read such conflicting reviews of that one too.
We have the book too and I also have conflicting feelings about it. In general, I think it is a good reminder to kids to not just take, take, take all the time.
I like the Giving Tree, because it's a horrible story. We use it a lot to talk about giving and taking, being greedy, giving from your heart, and even the environment. My 5 year old loves it, though my younger ones are "eh" about it.
@Summer, I know just what you mean, but I love the beginning of your comment, "I like the Giving Tree, because it's a horrible story." That sums it up! :)
Post a Comment