Badger's Parting Gifts

I managed to find a copy of Badger's Parting Gifts in a local bookshop, it was recommended to me by a friend who is a primary school teacher. She told me it was a particularly good book for children about death.

"When old Badger dies, his friends think they will be sad forever. But gradually they are able to remember Badger with joy and to treasure the gifts he left behind for every one of his friends."

The story focuses on an elderly Badger who is aware that he is going to die soon and he is worried that his friends will be very upset when he does. Badger dies and the other animals are very upset but they soon come to realise that Badger left each of them with a 'gift', something which he taught each animal and they could now do very well because of Badger's help. When the animals realise this the begin to be able to think about Badger happily and thankfully instead of feeling sad.
 
The way that the book is written is very sensitive and clear. The language is very honest and up front and because of this it wouldn't leave a child confused or feeling like they haven't understood. This story has been very helpful to me because it portrays a similar message to the one I wish to put across. Badger's friends felt very sad initially but they learned it was better to think of him in a happy way and remember the good memories they had together.

The illustrations really fit the sensitive feeling of the book too. They are very delicate and visually help put the ideas in the book across.

Overall 'Badger's Parting Gifts' deals with the sensitive subject of death really effectively. The combination of carefully chosen language, delicate illustrations and a heartfelt story really go together well and result in an effective and emotionally sensitive book for children.


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