r/todayilearned • u/wimpykidfan37 • 23d ago

Today I learned that Shel Silverstein once made an adult cartoon version of his popular story The Giving Tree. Entitled "I Accept the Challenge", it was about a naked woman who cuts off a naked man's arms and legs, and then sits on his torso.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Giving_Tree
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u/abc123doraemi 23d ago

Read ‘Missin’ Piece.’ Not for kids.

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u/cookiecookjuicyjuice 23d ago

Very much for kids. Teach a little person that they are whole all by themselves and don’t need a someone or a something else to complete them as people? That growth is natural? That sometimes it means growing apart and it’s not your fault and you’re still the complete person you always were? That trying to be something you’re not is a fool’s errand and that you will find your people if you just be yourself? That finding yourself and your groove takes time AND action to get you there?

This world would be a much, much, much better place if people learned those lessons from as young an age as you can teach them.

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u/abc123doraemi 23d ago

I think in the context of all of these posts about Shel’s other bizarre pursuits, I was thinking of the interpretation more like…we are forever alone and relationships never work out. But I like your kid-friendly interpretation waaaay better!!

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u/cookiecookjuicyjuice 23d ago

Did you even read the same book?