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

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This is a gentle and tender book—one that could start or continue a conversation about grief and loss with a child. It left me with a lump in the throat, and I would have no qualms at all about recommending it to any child. Despite the obviously sad theme that runs through this children's book there is an element of hope and happiness that comes from what the animals say about Badger. So, these are the circumstances under which my sister and I received the unexpected gift of this beautifully illustrated story. 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.

However the dated appearance of the book seems to award it weight and authority on the issues it confronts so tenderly. From learning to tie a tie to ice skating, all the memories are pleasant and symbolic of the good life Badger left, as well as the lessons they all learned from him. I feel that due to this and the use of simple language causes the book to suit its key stage one audience.

Early in this story poor Badgers dies, and although it is very sad, the story does a good job of explaining that badger was old and didn't want his friends to be sad but to remember the good times they had shared. However, i believe it is important to allow children of all ages to explore their feelings, even those that make us feel bad.

It conveys that death is a very natural and inevitable part of life and does not shy away from the unavoidable hurt that ensues. Her picture book Badger's Parting Gifts is one of the most enduring of all time, winning many prizes, including the Mother Goose Award in 1985. 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. Sometimes, we adults need to be creative in helping children understand the complexity of Life and Death.the story does not have too many words and is not too heavy or intense thus its perfect for young children. This is a poignant and touching story about a Badger who is very old and has accepted that he will soon die.

A very useful book in regards to teaching or talking to children about death/bereavement which is a very difficult concept to talk about to anyone.When I saw the title and the book cover, I was led into thinking that the book is about a badger literally handing out gifts before he dies. Badger has left his friends with some parting gifts which are fond memories that he hopes will bring them through their grief. It gives them a comforting way, just like the animals had, to remember their friend for the happier times rather than the sad. The story doesn’t just focus on the feelings that surround the touching subject of death but it additionally focuses on how the characters deal with the bereavement.