20 Best 'The Giving Tree' Quotes by Shel Silverstein

Writvik Gupta
Dec 12, 2023 By Writvik Gupta
Originally Published on Jan 08, 2021
Edited by Isobel Murphy
Ripe apricots on the branch

If there's one book that comes to mind at the very mention of Shel Silverstein, it is definitively 'The Giving Tree'.

We've gathered some of the most memorable bits in the form of 17 memorable Shel Silverstein quotes from 'The Giving Tree'. These quotes about 'The Giving Tree' are fairly simple, yet teach us about the gift of giving in no more than five minutes.

Capturing the attention of readers across ages with this timeless classic, these quotes from the book capture the bond between a generous apple tree and a nonchalant little boy.

This book teaches us to be giving like the tree and also to remain happy with the little things in life (this is most likely the primary moral of the story too).

Much like the Giving Tree, the tale is more than giving in the form of morals and values, with many to take away from it.

Even though 'The Giving Tree' is largely considered a metaphor for the unconditional love that a parent has for their child, the book has been interpreted otherwise. Some of these different interpretations even got it banned briefly from a Colorado public library.

This was a one-off case of course, whereas we all know really that the tree is a symbol of selfless sacrifice, coming purely from a position of strength.

If you like our 17 Best 'The Giving Tree' Quotes by Shel Silverstein, hop on over and check out our 'The Lorax' quotes and 'Green Eggs And Ham' quotes too.
 

Meaningful 'The Giving Tree' Quotes

We love these quotes from the book that are so meaningful and have a lovely message behind them, they could even be used as 'The Giving Tree' wedding quotes if you wish.

1. "And the boy loved the tree... very much. And the tree was happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

2. "And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

3. "Once there was a tree... and she loved a little boy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

'The Giving Tree' Quotes About Giving

Quotes from books really are a gift. We love these great quotes from the book about the gift of giving.

4. "Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

5. "I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

6. "I am sorry, I wish that I could give you something . . . but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

7. "He would climb up her trunk and swing from her branches and eat apples."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

8. "And every day the boy would come, and he would gather her leaves, make them into crowns and play king of the forest."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

9. "And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

10. "I have no house, the forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

11. "And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

12. "Cut down my trunk and make a boat, then you can sail away... and be happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

Emotional Quotes From 'The Giving Tree'

We love these meaningful quotes, you can find your favorite emotional quote from the book here.

13. "Well an old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

14. "Come, Boy, come and play."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

15. "I am sorry, Boy, but I have nothing left to give you."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

16. "But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

17. "I don't need very much now, just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

18. "And the tree was happy."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

19. "And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away."

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

20. "But time went by. And the boy grew older. And the tree was often alone"

- 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully curated lots of interesting family-friendly quotes for everyone at home to enjoy!

If you liked reading through these 'The Giving Tree' quotes by Shel Silverstein and have grown strong just like the Giving Tree, then you need to discover some more quotes from books with these 'Charlotte's Web' quotes or 'Where The Wild Things Are' quotes?

We Want Your Photos!
We Want Your Photos!

We Want Your Photos!

Do you have a photo you are happy to share that would improve this article?
Email your photos

More for You

See All

Written by Writvik Gupta

Writvik Gupta picture

Writvik Gupta

A professional content writer hailing from Kolkata, India, with extensive experience in the corporate sector, Writvik Gupta has worked with several reputed companies, including ITC WelcomHotel Jodhpur, Bharti AXA Life Insurance, Aryan Imaging, and Eduquity. He also serves as a consultant for a startup based in Bangalore. With a passion for the outdoors, Writvik enjoys trekking and traveling to remote destinations. He also has a keen interest in exploring various cuisines and regularly volunteers for social causes.

Read full bio >