The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein remains a favorite book from childhood for many. It's a poignant story about friendship and appreciation and is a great book to revisit around Thanksgiving.
Tali of Growing Up Creative led her daughter's class in creating this real life Giving Tree while reading and discussing the book with the children. Each child drew a picture and then encased it in a recycled soda bottle and tied it to the tree. You can incorporate this idea for your kids (you don't need a whole class). Spend a morning writing down (or drawing pictures of) things we're thankful for and then hanging them on your backyard tree in the afternoon. You could even start the project now and save the bottles for hanging on the family Christmas tree. Check out Tali's post about her Giving Tree here.
Image: Growing Up Creative
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I was shocked when re-reading The Giving Tree as an adult--it has strong misogynistic and anti-environmental undertones. I read it a few times to my son, but was very happy to give it away when he grew bored of it.
I couldn't disagree more. Of course there could be multiple interpretations of this book, but when I read this book I observe a theme that brings to light the importance of conservation. I also read a book that implores us to be less selfish or selfless. As a Christian, I see the tree as Christ and the boy as humankind. Hmmmm, but maybe that's just me.
I agree with you, dcirene. The book, to me, is about anything BUT "friendship and appreciation." I did love this book when I was little, but rereading it was really surprising! The boy is so ungrateful to that poor tree. (love the craft idea, though!)