Free e-book

The Sharing Tree
By Sean Thompson

 Abstract/Foreword: Inspired by the Shel Silverstein’s book, The Giving Tree, this story offers a different perspective on the friendship that can exist between man (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.

If you are interested I have a simple lesson plan and a supplementary document I have used with classes to track the concept of perspective related to kindness while comparing the two books. Please feel free to use or adapt them as you please (below).

I am also running a contest for illustrations for when I approach publishers/self publish and will turn the book into an “illustrated audio book” using Voice Thread as well. If your child or class would like to see their work used please feel free to submit illustrations to me at seansensei@hotmail.com.

Enjoy!