The Giving Tree vs Where the Sidewalk Ends: Which Should You Read?

Both live on shelves: Humorous poetry, Children's poetry, Classics

Cover of The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein · 1964 ★★★★☆ 4.4 57 pages · ≈ 1 h 03 m · Moderate Find on Amazon

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Cover of Where the Sidewalk Ends

Where the Sidewalk Ends Shel Silverstein · 1974 ★★★★☆ 4.3 168 pages · ≈ 3 h 07 m · Light Find on Amazon

The verdict

Ratings are close: 4.4 vs 4.3 — either is a safe pick by score.
The Giving Tree is the quicker read — about 1 hours vs 3 for Where the Sidewalk Ends.
Where the Sidewalk Ends is the easier read (Light), The Giving Tree more demanding (Moderate).

Side by side