"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave. This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. is a meaningful gift for milestone events such as graduations, birthdays, and baby showers. Shel Silverstein's incomparable career as a bestselling children's book author and illustrator began with . He is also the creator of picture books including , , and the perennial favorite , and of classic poetry collections such as , and plus .