Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!
Today I read to Tucker’s class in honor of this great guy and all he brought to children’s literature. I was allowed to choose one book to read. Any book- and did not have to be Dr. Seuss. So I chose a childhood favorite The Giving Tree*. Do you remember it? When I was done reading the kids clapped and asked me to read it again. And then an adorable little girl in front said “I know why the tree was happy to give. It feels really good to give to someone if they really need something”. And I couldn’t agree more. I myself am a giver. I am often accused of giving a little too much. Too much of my time. Too much of my effort. Too much of my skills (I have mad skillz. Yo)…..but nothing makes me feel better- than giving.
I am sorta hoping Tucker marries this girl from the front row. Since she already has it all figured out, I think we would get along just fine.
*(Oh and by the way Mom, I totally researched the rumor that Shel Silverstien was a child molester and I couldn’t find one thing on the net. Everyone (which is Latin for ‘The Internet’) says it was a bad rumor coming from a marijuana bust at a home where children were present. Which is not exactly role-model material either. But it was the 70′s right? And I can still read this book- and forget about all of this. When I read it is just a tree, a boy and me.)
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe the tree was really a metaphor for a pot plant?
Ha ha ha — just being a jerk. I love Shel Silverstein.
And your hat.
This is one of my favs too. However, I must admit, the author photo on the back cover is very disturbing!
ok, i LOVE Shel Silverstein, but this book and The Missing Piece have always bothered me. It all goes back to a bad children’s lit class in college. Are they not metaphors for marriage that are rather unflattering for women? Once we discussed that, I’ve never been able to read those books happily again. (In fact I even blogged about it once) Makes sense, since it might parallel Shel’s own life and disdain for marriage. Bummer huh?
I found you through your interview with Lee! Great blog!
The Giving Tree is my 6 year old FAVORITE book (and I think mine too).