The Taking Tree: A Selfish Parody (2010) - Plot & Excerpts
Thank goodness someone finally got around to taking The Giving Tree down a peg or two. I can't remember a book that has been so widely loved and so severely misread in the history of literature. Everyone loves the fact that this boy takes and takes and takes some more and the tree so graciously, so lovingly, so unthinkingly just gives every last piece of itself to the boy to give him a little happiness. Who taught the boy the value of respect for others? No one. And yet everyone I ask is just in love with the book. Something's seriously wrong with that. This is kind of taking the book in the exact opposite direction, but it was just so perfect in that regard. With its final action, the tree finally manages to kill the boy back after everything the little monster put the tree through over the course of a lifetime. Wonderful! Way to go tree! The Taking Tree is a parody on one of my favorite books "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. Initially, I thought it would be fun to use this with my 5th and 6th graders in the library to compare and contrast the two stories. While it is a very funny book, I am not sure it sends the right message to my students. So instead, my 7th grade daughter and I had a good laugh together as we read it while sitting in the library parking lot the other day. First "picture" book I have read to her in a long time. :)
What do You think about The Taking Tree: A Selfish Parody (2010)?
Hilarious!!! Love this little token of a book - its so funny with a great message
—Andrea
Definitely a kid's book for adults. Very funny, kind of sassy. Lots of fun!
—eman
A true instant classic. It should be sold paired up with the original.
—Karen
