'The Giving Tree' read by Keith Carradine

‘The Giving Tree’ is written and illustrated by Shel Silverstein and read by Keith Carradine. “Once there was a she loved a little boy.“ So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. View the activity guide here: Watch all of our videos at