Cover of The Giving Tree

Children's · Picture books

The Giving Tree

4.2 out of 5, from 863 ratings from Hardcover readers

A tree loves a boy and gives him her apples, branches and trunk as he grows from child to old man. A very short picture book about giving, taking and what is left at the end.

Facts last checked 2026-10-17

First published
1964
Pace
Fast
Length
Short
Pages
64
Format
Standalone

Read this if you want a quiet fable to read aloud that leaves room to talk about generosity.

Skip this if you want a story with a clear, cheerful lesson rather than an ambiguous, bittersweet one.

The feel

Content warnings

None noted yet.

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Toxic friendship

Quick answers about The Giving Tree

What is The Giving Tree about?
A tree loves a boy and gives him her apples, branches and trunk as he grows from child to old man. A very short picture book about giving, taking and what is left at the end.
Who should read The Giving Tree?
Read it if you want a quiet fable to read aloud that leaves room to talk about generosity. Skip it if you want a story with a clear, cheerful lesson rather than an ambiguous, bittersweet one.
How long and how fast is The Giving Tree?
It is a fast-paced, short read of about 64 pages, first published in 1964.
Does The Giving Tree have content warnings?
We have not noted any content warnings for this book yet.
Can I borrow The Giving Tree for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Giving Tree; the borrow button above searches it for you.

Where to get it

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