I came upon this book in our classroom library the other day and read it to my class. It has been a long time since I have read it. What a wonderful book. I got teary eyed, and I think even my 5 and 6 year olds got the idea. I think if you haven't read it in a while, you should. It's sad, but in a good way I think. The tree is so selfless, and gives gives gives...and that's what makes her happy. I just love that all the tree wants is to make the boy happy, and she gives everything she has to him. She never questions his motives, and she never judges him, she doesn't know where he has been or where he is going. She doesn't ask "does he deserve this?" "Is he a good person?" "Will he return the favor?" "What will he do with this?" He asks. And she gives. That's that. I use to judge homeless people who would beg for money. Until I read a scripture that talks about giving to those who ask. I don't think it is our place to judge where and who people are. Aren't we all beggars?
In this book, giving is happiness. The end is sort of sad...I wish the last line wasn't there. But I think this is one of my new favorite books...aren't children books so great!?
