The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Hardcover Edition with Dust Jacket
Harper & Row / HarperCollins · Books & Media > Children's Vintage & Classic Books
Era / Decade
Modern Print / Reissue (Original publication 1964; printings continued through 1980s-2000s)
Material
Paperback book jacket over paperboard hardcover cloth binding, standard book paper pages
Condition
Good to Very Good. Slight creasing along the outer dust jacket edges, minor shelf wear at the top/bottom of the spine, no major tears or ink marks visible on the front cover.
Demand Level
Strong — continuous steady demand year-round as gift items, teacher presents, and nursery staples.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$5.00 - $12.00 (Standard later printing); up to $100+ IF confirmed as an early Harper & Row first edition with specific issue points (e.g. full picture on back flap, $3.95 jacket price).
Estimated Retail Value
$17.99 - $19.99 (Current MSRP for modern hardcover retail edition)
Comparable Sales
Standard modern used copies sell for $6-$10 shipped on eBay; vintage early printings sell for $30-$150+ depending on exact printing state.
Description
Classic hardcover edition of 'The Giving Tree' by Shel Silverstein, complete with original dust jacket. Features the iconic green artwork with the young boy and apple tree. Perfect for collectors, nostalgia lovers, or children's home libraries.
Key Features
Highly recognizable, beloved children's book staple; complete with dust jacket; classic Shel Silverstein illustrations; timeless collector interest.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence authentic trade edition. Verify printing state on copyright page (number line or printing statement) to determine exact collectible value.
Flaws to Note
Minor edgewear and light surface creasing on dust jacket; needs inspection inside for copyright page edition numbers, inscriptions, or gift notes.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for targeted collectors if an early printing), Mercari or Poshmark (great for quick casual bundles/gifts), Local Flea Market or Used Bookstore.
Selling Tips
Check the copyright page and back DJ flap price before listing. If it's a standard later edition, bundle it with other classic children's or Shel Silverstein books (e.g., Where the Sidewalk Ends) to maximize shipping efficiency and resale profit.