There is a tree on the playground that is old and big. Its branches dip down. Each one seems to have a mind of its own. The boughs sway and reach, and children look up.
I wonder if the tree loves the children. The children love the tree.
Trees are one of nature’s greatest teachers and also givers.
Yes. Givers.
Shel Silverstein made that connection with trees decades ago. His book, The Giving Tree is both beloved and revered.
My copy is well loved and well worn. I have read the words aloud to children (and to myself) more times than I can count.
Thank you, Dana, for giving me this book. You knew it was a treasure.
The story is timeless. A tree loves a boy, and the boy loves the tree. The beginning pages read:
Once there was a tree…
and she loved a little boy.
And every day the boy would come
and he would gather her leaves
and make them into crowns
and play king of the forest.
He would climb up her trunk
and swing from her branches
and eat apples.
And they would play hide-and-go-seek.
And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade.
And the boy loved the tree…
very much.
And the tree was happy.
But time went by.
Those words set the stage for the story. I have only shown you a few of the illustrations. Every line in the book has an illustration. Yes, and each one is just as simple and powerful. The tree keeps giving as the boy grows up… well, you need to read the book. While it’s a children’s book, it pierces the heart of adults. It reminds them of all that matters, all that made them feel good.
Everyone needs to read this book.
The trees all around as I drive and walk seem to have low, bowing branches, much like the tree at school. Everywhere I look, trees are reaching down… or reaching out, like The Giving Tree.
I am continuing my reading aloud to Miles as he recovers from his brain injury this summer. I posted his story August 24th, “Reading Aloud to the Rescue.” This week, the tree in his front yard had the same branches. How could that be? I asked Miles and his sister to stand by the branch so I could snap a picture.
Your greatness is not what you have, but what you give. –Winnie the Pooh-
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I so love trees. So beautiful.
Thanks, Opher.
So touching 🙏🏽💜
Thank you, Ritu! 💕
What a lovely post, Jennie! Trees are so lovely. My balcony overlooks several trees. They’re now gently shedding their leaves.
Love the quote from Winnie the Pooh!
Thank you, L. Marie. Trees are beautiful and give us so much. I’m glad you loved the quote. 🙂
One of my absolutely favourite books. Mine is literally falling apart it has been so often read and loved. Great share, Jennie.
Isn’t that wonderful? Well loved books are the best of all! Thank you, Carla.
In this time of social distancing, the trees are reaching out to hug anyone who needs one.
I think you are right! Thank you, Pam.
Always a Pleasure!
It sounds like a lovely book, Jennie. Oh yes, I’m certain your playground tree loves the children. It radiates love. Hugs on the wing!
It really is a wonderful book. At the request of John Howell, I will read aloud the story, first thing in the morning. 🙂
Jennie, thank you for this wonderful post about this truly excellent book!
Thank you, Charles!
Jennie, Lovely !!!
Thank you!
Reblogged this on charles french words reading and writing and commented:
Here is another excellent post from Jennie, the wonderful teacher!
Thank you, Charles!
That Winnie the Pooh quote is right on!! A guest author on my blog recently said of all the characters in books he would prefer to spend time with Winnie the Pooh or Paddington. I just loved that answer. The Giving Tree is a special book. I´m so glad Miles is recovering. xo
That is a great answer from your guest author! Yes, this is a very special book. I’m reading it aloud on my blog tomorrow morning. Miles’ recovery is a good sign!
one of the best books that shows unconditional love. nature is so important in our lives, but often times taken for granted and disregarded. we need to see that unconditional love as what it is… a beautiful gift.
Have you read the story the Forever Tree by Donna Lukas and Tereasa Surratt. It is a fictional story based on a real elm tree in Wisconsin that found a new purpose after it was infected by Dutch Elm Disease… another unconditional love of trees book
Yes, it is! And I do know the Forever Tree. The fact that it’s based on a real elm tree is powerful. Dutch Elm disease hit my area pretty hard. There are many wonderful tree books – thank goodness!
The Giving Tree came well after my own childhood…the tale of Johnny Appleseed being the arboreal influence in my life. Just for fun in my twenties I planted an acorn… and it grew until I had to plant it…and it grew some more… and it still grows today in St Petersburg Florida…From the internet pictures, it is HUGE! And it is my legacy, my first child! 🙂
KC, what a wonderful story! How many people can say they planted an acorn that grew into a huge tree and still continues to grow? You’re the only person I know. 🙂 The Giving Tree was long after my childhood as well, but thank goodness I read it to my children, and often read it to my preschoolers.
I haven’t read the book, but feel I have channeled its spirit. I have loved trees all my life.
Best wishes, Pete.
Yes, you definitely have channeled it’s spirit. John Howell (I hope you follow his blog, Ollie needs to meet Lucy and Twiggy) was disappointed that I didn’t read the book aloud. So, I will post that in the morning. Then you will really know the book. Best to you, Pete.
The Giving Tree is one of my favorites! The Winnie quote says it all… ❤ xo
Three cheers for both! Thank you, Bette. ❤️
Hugs & Happy Reading! ❤ xx
🥰
The giving tree that only gives and never asks anything from the boy because the tree loved the boy so much and that is nature that only gives and gives whatever we humans want. Such a lovely post, Jennie.
You hit the nail on the head! Thank you. 🥰
🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻👍👍👍
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord Blog Magazine and commented:
Jennie Fitzkee shares a much loved Children’s book that carries a powerful message…Trees are wonderful and this book is beautifully illustrated and would delight any child and adult..
Thank you, Sally! John Howell was disappointed that I didn’t read the book aloud. He lost his copy in a flood. So, I have done that, and will post it in the morning. Thank you, John, as I didn’t think to do this. And many thanks to you, Sally. I am always honored to be here. 🥰
That is wonderful Jennie and I know others not just John will enjoy…♥♥
I hope so. And thank you, Sally. 🥰
♥
What a lovely book Jennie and trees are very special so pleased Miles is recovering and fabulous photograph..♥
Yes, trees are very special. My appreciation and love continues to grow. This book is a winner. And Miles is healing. He just started back to school this week, so he was tired (and happy) when I arrived for reading.
That is great news Jennie… so pleased..hugsx
Thank you, Sally! 😍
A lovely story, Jennie. I am glad you are able to read to this young boy.
Thank you, Robbie. I am very glad to be able to read to Miles. We are halfway through “The Wild Robot”, and every week is just wonderful.
I have always enjoyed reading to children. I like the books myself.
You are a role model for reading aloud to children, Robbie! If only all parents…
I love trees! I had a favorite redwood tree that I would climb almost daily when I was a girl. Oh, the dreams I shared with that tree…and the hours of pretending I played up the tippy top of its branches! Mostly, I loved the solitude and the smells, of the needles, and bark, and space to think, and the view was pretty great too. When my parents bought a bigger house across town and we had to move I was so crushed to leave that tree. Driving by it as an adult and see it still standing tall always made me smile. I don’t know if I’ll ever see it again since I’ve moved out of that state, but it lives in my memories.
Winnie the Pooh has so many great quotes and wise words. 😀
What a great story and tribute to a tree. I think this needs to be a blog post, Deborah. Do you have photos of that tree? Isn’t it wonderful how a tree can become a huge part of love for children? You describe your memories beautifully. Thank you! And yes, Winnie the Pooh is the wise one. Best to you, Deborah.
How lovely!
Thank you!
You’re welcome, Jennie!
I love Shel Silverstein’s writing, but I have to go out on a limb (sorry for the dreadful pun), and admit this was always my least favorite work by him, even as a child.
What were his books you liked? “Where the Sidewalk Ends”? Sometimes I think this book, albeit simple in text, is much for children to fully grasp. And, I love your pun!
While as an adult I understand his intentions behind the story, I still have a difficult time with the way the boy treats the tree. I love Where the Sidewalk Ends, A Light in the Attic, and Falling Up.
I suppose so.
Just my personal feelings.
I understand, Kim. His poetry is the best for children!
Great book and a beautiful message about giving.
Thank you, Rebecca.
Thanks for the introduction to this beautiful book Jennie ❤
You are welcome, Debby. Stay tuned for the reading tomorrow. 😍
Woohoo! I’ll be there ❤
😍
This book is a treasure. Our copy is on it’s second generation. A great post, Jennie.
Second generation? How wonderful! It is definitely a treasure. Thank you, Diana.
Darn. I settled in and thought you were going to read the whole book. Yes, I read it but would like to again. Our copy was destroyed in a flood. Thanks, Jennie. Super post.
John! That is a great idea. I hadn’t thought of reading aloud the whole book. Just say the word and I’ll video it this afternoon and post it in the morning.
Yay. That would be swell.
Just finished the video. Will post first thing in the morning. Thank you for the great suggestion, John. It’s that kind of a book. The short text and multiple illustrations mean it needs to be read aloud. 🙂 And, since you lost your copy in a flood, I hope it brings you a big smile.
I will look forward to being with you tomorrow.
😀
And thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the post. 🙂
That’s a great book.
This a wonderful post, Jennie – great book.
Thank you, Dan.
l’m hoping Miles is recovered from his injury. It’s a great book and should be in every child’s library. Trees give us so much including our life. Without them, we could not exist. So sweet you have another copy to keep sharing with more children as I know you will always keep sharing. 😉
Miles has a long road of recovery ahead, yet he is healing well. This is his first week at school. I agree, the book should be in every child’s library. I love having books given to me from children- always a treasure. And trees are truly a gift to all. Best to you, Marlene.
I’m sorry he has a long road but glad there is progress. I’ll keep good thoughts for him.
Thank you, Marlene!
I’m glad to see that Miles is recovering well from his injury. I watched a video of The Giving Tree a while back. It was very moving.
He is recovering well, yet he has a long road ahead. I have not seen a video…but I did read it aloud for bloggers this morning. 🙂
I saw the notice in my email. I look forward to watching it! (I’m sorry to hear that Miles still has a long road ahead for his recovery.)
Thank you, Liz. The good news is that he is healing nicely.
You’re welcome, Jennie.
The Ging Tree is one of my favorites, too. I like just about everything from Shel Silverstein. I looked back to Aug. 24th because I didn’t remember reading about Miles. This old memory serves me better than others for some days. That is a marvelous picture of Miles and his sister.
I know what you mean about the old memory. Sometimes I wonder where mine is hiding. Miles is recovering, yet he has a long road ahead. Our weekly visits to read aloud are simply wonderful. Yes, everything Shel Silverstein is terrific! Thank you, Pete.
*Giving
Don’t you hate autocorrect? 🙂
How perfectly timed as I’m about to post on my love of trees (and maths as it happens)
That’s wonderful, Geoff! I will be reading. Trees are a marvel!
Thank you for introducing another great book, Jennie! Sally had informed me, and this book is wonderful too.Lets hug a tree. 😉 Michael
Thank you, Michael!
:-))
Such a treasure of Book Jennie, and you are such a treasure as teacher… And Miles has you as such a treasure in his healing process…. You are a divine Light that shines love into the hearts of children.. No greater gift of giving could you yourself offer dear Jennie…
For you are a Tree to many of these children… You are strong, give strength, you nourish their minds, and you feed their souls… You dear Jennie are one of Earths most Blessed Angels….
And it is my privilege to know you…
Stay Blessed dear friend. and Thank YOU for your gifts you always give so freely.. ❤ ❤ ❤
What beautiful words, Sue. Thank you so much! I am deeply touched. 🥰
I missed the earlier mention of Miles and his injury. I am glad he is mending, albeit slowly. My grandson is a tree climber as is my husband. It scares me to death, but they assure me it is part of being a boy.
I’m glad he is mending, too. Tree climbing is definitely part of being a boy. 😀
So they tell me. I just go indoors!
I know what you mean! Thank goodness you’re letting the tree climbing happen.
a favorite book of mine. I still cry when I read it. That quote lifts me. Thank you
I feel the same way, Michele! ❤️
Trees are wonderful. Every year for Birthdays, my wife gave our two kids a tree planted in their name, as a donation to the Arbor Day Society. So, somewhere, there are trees of various maturities, growing and aging with our kids. Wonderful post, Jennie.
What a great gift! Everyone benefits, especially the trees. Thank you, Steve.