Author: Shel Silverstein

The Giving Tree is about a little boy who develops a relationship with a tree.  This tree gives the young boy a place to play, food, and shelter.  It gives everything it can to the boy in which in loves so much.  The tree even gives itself so that the boy can make a boat to sail.  This book can teach the students about the rewards of giving. The reward is a lifelong friendship.  The boy and the tree are bonded together.  The tree has done so much for the boy and  he is very thankful.  When the boy gets older he comes back to just a stump.  The tree feels that it can't give anymore, but the old man lets the tree know that it is still giving.  This story shares friendship, love, and the passion to help out another person.  A child needs to understand this act of kindness.  

 Author: Marc Simont

The Stray Dog is a book that teaches a child about acceptance.  It is about a stray dog that spends the afternoon with a couple of kids.  They fall in love and have to leave him all alone.  They realize that they want to adopt the dog.  The story helps a child see how important acceptance is and how it makes a difference.  The dog finds a new home and does not go to the pound.  It is accepted and can now live a happy life.