Stories & Scripture- The Giving Tree & The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son is my all time favorite parable.  I love the symbolism, the story, the parallel to every sinner's life.  In college, I remember hearing a priest say that he thought that the name of this parable was stupid.  I was appalled!  However, he then went on to explain that the title is misleading, because the story is not really about the son, it is all about the Father.  I see his point.

In another unrelated conversation, I had a friend tell me that her mom never really like the children's book The Giving Tree, because the little boy is so selfish.  I remember responding (in defense, because I liked this book growing up :) ) that the book isn't really about the boy, it is all about the Tree.


And for some reason, those two lines slammed together in my head...

Selfish boy...selfish son.
Generous Tree...generous Father.

So here is another Stories & Scripture sheet that can help kids see the connections between the Giving Tree and The Prodigal Son, a lesson on forgiveness and generosity.

Stories & Scripture:
Connecting beloved picture books with the faith:
The Kissing Hand & Doubting Thomas
The Giving Tree & The Prodigal Son
Curious George & Zacchaeus
Click, Clack,  Moo & Ask, Seek, Knock
Stone Soup & The Feeding of the 5000