The Giving Tree: Understanding Themes

Keith Carradine reads 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein, a story about a tree's selfless love for a boy throughout his life. As the boy grows, he takes from the tree to fulfill his needs, leaving the tree with nothing but a stump. In the end, the boy returns to rest on the stump, and the tree is happy. The story highlights themes of love, giving, and the joy of selflessness. Carradine reflects on the story's impact and encourages viewers to continue reading and discovering the magic of books.

What did the boy do with the tree's leaves?

• He made a fire.

• He built a house.

• He made crowns and played king.

• He sold them in the city.

Why did the boy ask the tree for money?

• To have fun and buy things.

• To buy a car.

• To travel the world.

• To pay for school.

What did the tree offer the boy to help him get money?

• Its trunk.

• Its branches.

• Its leaves.

• Its apples.

What did the boy want when he returned to the tree after asking for money?

• A car.

• A house.

• A boat.

• A bicycle.

How did the tree help the boy build a house?

• By giving him money.

• By offering its branches.

• By providing its trunk.

• By giving its leaves.

What did the boy want to do with the boat?

• Race with friends.

• Live on it.

• Travel far away.

• Go fishing.

What did the tree offer to help the boy make a boat?

• Its trunk.

• Its apples.

• Its branches.

• Its leaves.

What was left of the tree after the boy made a boat?

• A stump.

• A few branches.

• Some leaves.

• Nothing.

What does the narrator reflect on at the end of the story?

• The need for money.

• The importance of friendship.

• The beauty of nature.

• The joy of giving and love.

What does the narrator encourage viewers to do at the end?

• Watch more movies.

• Plant more trees.

• Keep reading and discovering.

• Write their own stories.