3.22.2011

the giving tree...

This book was written 2 years before I was born.  I have loved it all my life and given it as a gift many times.  The inside jacket reads...

"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."

I understood it when I was younger, but not completely.  Not the enormity of it.  I couldn't.  I think, not until your children have grown and call a place, other than where you live, home, can you really feel the true depth of this book. 

It's been years since I read it and just now as I flipped through it, tears were rolling down my cheeks. 





I need a moment.

Going to be a bit indulgent and take the rest of the week off while my daughter is home visiting.  I won't be out in blog world but I'll check in when I can.  I hope something unexpected and lovely happens to you this week.

36 comments:

Felicity said...

Thank you for introducing me to this book, what a precious story.

Soak up every moment with your darling daughter,

xx Felicity

shopgirl said...

Thanks for sharing this Jeanette. It sounds like a book that when you read it and pick it up again it brings more revelations.

Have a great time with your daughter!
xo

Stacey said...

I love this book too. Enjoy your time with your daughter. Nothing like family time. XX

jandjhome said...

I hope you have a wonderful week with your daughter. Enjoy the time and have fun.

Stitchfork said...

This book always brought tears to my eyes. Enjoy the week with your daughter!
xo Cathy

Jillian said...

oh my goodness I completley forgot about this!! My thurd grade teacher used to read it to us I loved it!!

Tess Kincaid said...

I must have this book. Off to order a copy now. Enjoy the precious time with your daughter. Mine's coming next week and I'm so excited. x

bronwyn said...

Enjoy your time! I had the giving tree when I was little and I picked it up for Abby last year, not remembering all of the story. At the end of it she looked at me and said "Mama, WHY did you read that book to me?" For her, the book was all about the tree. She loves trees and she thought the boy was awful.("WHY is he taking the branches? The tree needs it's branches!!!") I wonder what her reaction will be when she is grown and has raised children of her own. I wonder if she will remember her 4 year old reaction. Have a great week!

Nicole said...

that's a fabulous book! I remember that book! Enjoy your time with your daughter!

quintessence said...

One of my all time favorites!! My second son adored this book and as a perceptive youngster totally "got" it. He still loves it to this day. Have a great visit with your daughter - see you soon!

Mug said...

One of my favorites, too.....a beautiful book!

Have a lovely week with your daughter and her friends:)

KR said...

I had forgotten about that book! Glad you kept it. Enjoy the rest of the week!

The Weaver of Grass said...

what a beautiful little book - I had never heard of it.

Reya Mellicker said...

Have a wonderful time with your daughter.

That story kills me. Not sure I like it. Hmmmm

wishful nals said...

so sweet. love this book. such a classic. have a wonderful time with your daughter!

Julie Smith said...

I think that book is one of the most beautiful books in the world. I can never read it without crying.

Enjoy your time with your lovely daughter. :)

vintch said...

one of my favorite, favorite stories. my version is old and worn. thank you for sharing:)

Maria said...

That book has LONG been one of my favorites, and BAM cries when we read it - my sensitive little man. We don't own a copy, but borrow one from the library. Now that he reads, I think it time to add it to our collection. Such a sweet, true and heart tugging story.

Love on that girl for us a bit!
I know you will relish this time together!
Mwah!

Linda said...

What a lovely post, Jeanette! I can't read that story aloud without my voice breaking up. My son learned that about me early on. Now my students, tough innercity kids, look at me with wonder when my voice cracks. But that doesn't stop me from reading these great stories! Think I'll have to weave this one into a lesson soon. Enjoy the week with your daughter. Store up the moments.

Andrew H. said...

Here's a shocker, I've never read that book. However I think I know where I can find a copy now. :-)

audrey marie said...

oh what a flash back - i love this book!

KR said...

Just had a peek at your new shop...Maude And Lola... beautiful...great job! Best wishes for much success!

koralee said...

I love love love this book...we have a few copies of it. xoxo hugs

k said...

I hope the same for you. That is a precious story..

BonBon Rose Girls Kristin said...

Have a beautiful time with your daughter!

Diana Mieczan said...

That book sounds really lovely and thank you for introducing me to it. Have a lovely week and enjoy the time with your daughter, my dear
Kisses

Ps: I’m hosting an amazing GIVEAWAY today! You can win 5 cool art posters!

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful visit with your daughter. I gave this book to my mom with a thank you note written inside the cover when I was in my late 20's. I "got it" then. But now being a mother it's even more powerful. My little guy calls it the "book that makes you cry". I'm getting teary right now.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I have read this book before when I was younger but I would love to read it again now that I am older and understand life more. Enjoy the time with your daughter!

pamela said...

have fun girlies!
that book makes me CRY every time.
just don't get me reading the one about the boy who ends up holding his own mother at the end! i can't even pick it up.

Joyti said...

Awww, this is such a precious story. And in today's world, more relevant than ever - we really need to give more back to our trees and animals...

AM said...

thank you for sharing this. hoping to read it soon.

hope you have a memorable time with your daughter :)

Kimia Kline said...

i love this book!

Charlotta Ward said...

Jeanette this book is wonderful and completely new to me.
I will try my hardest to get hold of a copy.

I am a huge lover of trees - always have been - and this book would be the perfect inclusion in our ever growing library.

Big hugs to you and have a wonderful time with your daughter!

xx Charlotta

Anonymous said...

Jeanette I have thought of this book often over the years, but didn't know the title. Another teacher showed it to me and it left a lasting impression, must have been over twenty years ago now! Thanks for featuring it.

Laurie SF said...

It never fails, when I come across this book in a bookstore. I stop, open the book, sit and start from the beginning, only to read through it again. A beautiful story. Heartbreaking.

Cashon&Co said...

Oh my gosh, I read this to my youngest son last month and couldn't get through the book without blubbering like a fool. He didn't understand why it brought so many tears. It is such a poignant story, no? Am loving reading your posts again. I have been away TOO long from all my blogs. Miss u