The Sharing Tree

“Saving” The Giving Tree

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 rewrite 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.

Sean Thompson, 2020