Badger's Parting Gifts: A picture book to help children deal with death

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The gentle message holds particular validity for children and is conveyed in a tenderhearted manner.

As one may see from the list of the books I have read so far, I do enjoy books that address sensitive subjects that others prefer not to mention. After Badgers death, his friends come to realise how their lives were enriched by his friendship and over time memories of him will only be good ones without the feeling of sadness. As the last of the snow melts, so do his friends' sadness and whenever Badger's name is mentioned, someone always remembers another story that makes them all smile. It would be reassuring for a child to read this story and see a character so unafraid to leave, to see it as a relief rather than a tragedy.

There are no angels or promises of paradise, this book does not project a religious perspective, but demonstrates a Humanist viewpoint, that an individual’s responsibility and legacy lies in the positive influence and the relationships they nurture during their lifetime. I know this book was written to help children understand death, but it has helped me cope with my Dad's death.

Their grief seems endless to them and never ending, until they begin to remember all the great memories they have of their time with Badger. i can think of no better way to do this than to read books like these (when appropriate) to open up children's minds to sensitive subjects.Initially Badgers friends are extremely upset and distraught by his loss but as time passes by they realise that it’s better to focus on the happy memories that they shared together.

Simply, I wanted to thank you for all the ways that Badger and his friends Mole, Frog, Fox and Rabbit have touched my heart and my life. However, i believe it is important to allow children of all ages to explore their feelings, even those that make us feel bad. The following day Badger's friends realise that he is not there and Fox discovers his note to them that says, 'Gone down the Long Tunnel. Badger’s Parting Gifts is a story about a Badger who wishes he could still run around with his other friends Frog, Mole and Fox. Told simply, directly, and honestly, this uplifting story will be of tremendous value to both children and their parents.I do believe Badger's Parting Gifts is more suited to late KS2 as there is an element of empathy that some children will be able to relate to from the written text. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anybody faced with explaining to a child, the death of an elderly relative or acquaintance. This book written by Susan Varley is an exceptional book because of the kinds of themes that it explores. Badgers friends remember one by one what he had taught each of them, and his friends learn to take those lessons and cherish it as a good memeory of badger.

The story does not conceal the feeling of sadness that comes with when someone is suferring from a loss, but it beautifully encourages positive attitides to dealing with such a topic. Beautifully written book, really helped my four year old talk and understand the fact our family dog has died.One of the closing paragraphs says that "whenever Badger's name was mentioned, someone remembered another story that made them all smile. The way in which the story is written is key to suit the age range of children that I’ve suggested it’s suitable for. At the end one of his friends goes to the hill and says hello to badger and hopes that he can hear him. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others.