The Overly Giving Tree

I have often heard claims against children's materials such as Disney or The Berenstain Bears for controversial content.  I have always taken those claims and placed them in the "conspiracy theory" file of my brain.  However, taking a critical look at my favorite children's book has suddenly altered my opinion.  The Giving Tree has lived in my memory as a book about sharing and caring.  The gendered roles played by the boy and the tree are unsettling. The tree gives and gives to a boy who is unconcerned with her needs.  The tree shows several feminine elements.  She is sensitive and caring thought the story by giving and caring unconditionally for the boy.  She is treated negatively by the boy, he takes advantage of her for his own gains.  She is often alone and often sad.  This book has managed to discreetly teach girls to give until they are a stump. 

It is funny however, I would most likely still recommend this book.  Perhaps this is solely based on my sentimental feelings of reading this book as a child.  I also think this is because I realize that as I child I didn't care if the tree was feminine or masculine.  In fact before reading  looking for gender roles I had no idea the tree was feminine.  The book to me has always brought good feelings of undying love and care.  In this case the battle between cost and benefit of reading The Giving Tree was won by Shel Silverstein.