Bonus Featured Book – Generosity

From the Midpoint Library Virtual Storytime, Miss Mary, reads: “The Giving Tree” by Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree

by Shel Silverstein

From Goodreads: “”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 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.”

Watch the video to the left for a reading of this book by the MidPointe Library’s Virtual Storytime as part of their digital response to the Coronavirus Quarantine.

Let your child watch the Storytime.  After it is over, process the story with these or similar questions.

• Did you like the story?
• Which was more Generous, the Tree or the Boy?
• Was the Tree a happy giver or a stingy giver?
• Was the Boy happy with what the tree gave him?
• Do you think the boy was a giver when he was with others or not?
• Did the boy every say “Thank You”? Was that nice?
• Did the Boy ever give anything back to the tree?
• Why do you think the Tree kept giving to the Boy if he didn’t say thank you?
• The next time you have the opportunity to give to someone you love will you remember the Giving Tree and be a happy giver?