Kids’ Kindle Book: The Sharing Tree

 

 

This book is currently a FREE download on Amazon but prices can change at any time so be sure to check the price before you purchase! Also, make sure to check out tonight’s Bedtime Math!

 

 

Amazon Description: A reimagining of Shel Silverstein’s classic, 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.

 

 

 

Most days we post a link to a free (at time of post) Kindle download for kids/young adults. One of the most important things we can do as parents is read with our kids! Exposure to reading can help children with early literacy and pave the way for success in school (and beyond!) as they get older.

 

Our hope is that these posts will help keep your digital library fresh with new material perfect for bedtime reading with babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school-aged, and even teens. You do not need a kindle to download or read these books with your child, just download the Kindle App to your device, or use the Kindle Cloud Reader on your computer. Enjoy!

 

 

Don’t have a Kindle? You can buy one by clicking this link: Buy A Kindle

 

You can also read this book with the Free Kindle Reading App using every major smartphone, tablet, and computer. Click this link to get the Free App: Free Kindle Reading Apps

 

Click this link to see the Top 100 Free Kindle eBooks: Top 100 Paid & Top 100 Free Kindle eBooks