HarperCollins Publishers, New York. 1964.
Hardcover edition, 64 pages, ISBN 0-06-025666-4.
This incredibly poignant classic wisdom tale relates the love story of a tree and a boy throughout the span of their lifetimes. When the boy is young, he spends much time enjoying the simple pleasures of climbing, swinging, eating apples, and resting in her shade. "And the tree was happy."
As the boy ages, something essential changes in the nature of their relationship. He is gone a lot. He has need of money and a house. The cost to the tree becomes sacrificial as she gives him her apples and branches. "And the tree was happy."
Years pass before the tree sees him again. Older yet, he wants to get a boat to sail away. The tree gives up her substance, her trunk to help him. "And the tree was happy."
After a very long time, he returns again, tired and old. The tree has nothing left but her stump for him to sit and rest on. "And the tree was happy."
There are many philosophical discussions to be had here. In human relationships, there are often people who seem to give sacrificially and joyfully all that they have, and those who are content to take until there is nothing left. Some choose to interpret this tale as a commentary on man and the environment, making moral distinctions as to what was good and appropriate for the boy to ask, and what was not.
With young children, we are just whetting the appetite for these kinds of conversations. They are not yet able to consider and understand all of the ramifications for these issues. To some, this is merely a sad story. To others, this may begin to trigger broader thinking.
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