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

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Sometimes, we adults need to be creative in helping children understand the complexity of Life and Death.

Although I couldn't share this with a child without sobbing, I expect it would be an excellent book to share with a child who had lost an elderly loved one. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Due to the nature of the book and the way in which the story is portrayed I feel that it’s suitable for children in Key Stage One and perhaps the earlier stages of Key Stage Two.Nonetheless, the animals occasionally gather to talk about all the good things Badger has done for them which leaves them all feeling happy. This would then give the opportunity for the children to explore the feelings and emotions that are involved when an individual or family are experiencing a similar situation. A suggested lesson idea may involve the class teacher initially reading the story to the class of children and then discussing the themes that are explored in the book through a circle time approach.

A kind and gentle read aloud that can be shared with children who have lost a friend, relative or animal friend - if you can get through your tears while reading it. Furthermore the use of animals as the characters can be comforting to children rather than the characters being human. A perfect but devastating personal full-circle moment, the story’s message reminding me so aptly to appreciate the gifts we have been given, the legacy living on when we share them, and the impact we can have on others.

All the woodland creatures--Mole, Frog, Fox, and Rabbit--love old Badger, who is their confidante, advisor, and friend. First received and read at the age of 5, recently re-discovered and re-read as an adult, in memory of the wonderful person who originally gifted this book to me. 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.