The Giving Tree: 40th Anniversary Edition Book with CD    by Shel Silverstein Order:  USA  Can HarperCollins, 2004 (1964) Hardcover      Reviewed by Hilary Williamson This 40th Anniversary edition of Shel Silverstein's classic comes with a CD reading by the author, who tells the story with great feeling. It's accompanied by evocative background music. Sadly, The Giving Tree is even more relevant today than it was forty years ago. It's a simple, brilliant allegory - both of the end of childhood and its innocence, and of the relationship between man and Mother Nature. The tree gives, and gives, and gives - to a boy who initially loves, but later exploits, her. Finally, she has nothing left but a stump, which she offers to the old man, whom she still loves. Does he, even then, understand what he has lost? The Giving Tree will remind all ages of the joy we can experience in simple things, and of our perpetual, ever increasing selfishness when faced with the bounty of nature. Little ones will feel for the tree and its total, altruistic, maternal love. This is a tale to listen to, and read together, and to discuss at length. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Kids books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews