What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sharing Tree
“Saving” The Giving Tree Comes with free downloadable activity booklet and simple lesson guide.
As part of my Bachelor of Education degree (over twenty years ago now!) we were asked to write a children’s story. I chose to tackle a reimagining of Shel Silverstein’s classic, The Giving Tree , in a brighter light. I always felt this touching story was a little too sad. I also felt it missed the opportunity to impart an important perspective; the messages of stewardship and symbiosis, central to First Nations and Aboriginal cultures the world over.
This is the message I hope this book can share with new generations of young people. As a Canadian of Metis heritage, I feel it is an important message. There are other parts of First Nations culture touched upon as well. I have taken literary license in their incorporation. Tobacco and smudging are sacred rites, and they are meant to show respect, just not necessarily in the way they are portrayed here. Flutes and love songs are also a part of many cultures as are canoes and the use of lodge poles. I hope this book can also act as a springboard for further study.
This story offers a different perspective on the friendship that can exist between human (the boy Meekwun) and nature (as personified through the tree). Informed from the First Nations’ perspective of stewardship over the Earth, this re-imagining is one that offers a view of interdependence and encourages young readers and adults alike to be more thoughtful in their interactions with our living home. It is meant to be read and enjoyed by individual readers and as a sharing opportunity for discussion between children and their care-givers, teachers, friends and classmates as they define their own relationship to our home. It has been particularly rewarding to use this book as a comparative literature study with my students over the years when read in contrast to Mr. Silverstein’s book as well.
As part of my Bachelor of Education degree (over twenty years ago now!) we were asked to write a children’s story. I chose to tackle a reimagining of Shel Silverstein’s classic, The Giving Tree , in a brighter light. I always felt this touching story was a little too sad. I also felt it missed the opportunity to impart an important perspective; the messages of stewardship and symbiosis, central to First Nations and Aboriginal cultures the world over.
This is the message I hope this book can share with new generations of young people. As a Canadian of Metis heritage, I feel it is an important message. There are other parts of First Nations culture touched upon as well. I have taken literary license in their incorporation. Tobacco and smudging are sacred rites, and they are meant to show respect, just not necessarily in the way they are portrayed here. Flutes and love songs are also a part of many cultures as are canoes and the use of lodge poles. I hope this book can also act as a springboard for further study.
This story offers a different perspective on the friendship that can exist between human (the boy Meekwun) and nature (as personified through the tree). Informed from the First Nations’ perspective of stewardship over the Earth, this re-imagining is one that offers a view of interdependence and encourages young readers and adults alike to be more thoughtful in their interactions with our living home. It is meant to be read and enjoyed by individual readers and as a sharing opportunity for discussion between children and their care-givers, teachers, friends and classmates as they define their own relationship to our home. It has been particularly rewarding to use this book as a comparative literature study with my students over the years when read in contrast to Mr. Silverstein’s book as well.
44 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2024
7 people are currently reading
8 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 4, 2024
Friends with nature...
This wonderful book is perfect for teaching kids about nature and nurturing our environment. This book tells the story of a boy named Meekwun and his friendship with a tree. The book conveys the message that what we give to nature, we receive in return. It explains how nature fulfils our needs and emphasises the importance of not exploiting it or pushing it beyond its limits. Additionally, the end of the book features engaging activities to keep children entertained, including a few colouring pages. I just felt that some of the illustrations can be improved. Regardless, it was a lovely book.
I am delighted to have the privilege of reading the review copy of this lovely book through Booksprout and leave my honest review.
This wonderful book is perfect for teaching kids about nature and nurturing our environment. This book tells the story of a boy named Meekwun and his friendship with a tree. The book conveys the message that what we give to nature, we receive in return. It explains how nature fulfils our needs and emphasises the importance of not exploiting it or pushing it beyond its limits. Additionally, the end of the book features engaging activities to keep children entertained, including a few colouring pages. I just felt that some of the illustrations can be improved. Regardless, it was a lovely book.
I am delighted to have the privilege of reading the review copy of this lovely book through Booksprout and leave my honest review.
Displaying 1 of 1 review