A Julia Eccleshare Pick of the Month February 2019 |
A classic title that is loved by all, Badger’s Parting Gift is still as special and as important as when it was first published 35 years ago. Badger is very old. While he misses some of the things he used to be able to do when he was young, he is not afraid of dying. He warns his friends that one day he will go down the Long Tunnel and he encourages them not to be too sad when it happens. But, when Badger doesn’t come out from his home one day, all the animals are very sad. To help them to get over their deep emotions they each think of the special things they did with Badger. Sharing their memories brings great comfort and helps them to come to terms with the absence of their very special friend. A wonderful book for the very young – and their parents.
Badger is so old that he knows he will soon die. He tries to prepare his friends for this event, but when he does die, they are still grief-stricken. Gradually they come to terms with their grief by remembering all the practical things Badger taught them, and so Badger lives on in his friends' memories of him.
A welcome return to the Andersen list of this quintessential and award-winning picture book about bereavement.
Varley's text is sensitive, comforting, gentle. This is one sensible and honest approach to death for the young. -- Elaine Moss T. L. S.
I bow down to this one. It left me with a lump in the throat, and I would have no qualms at all about recommending it to any child. Tender, poignant, touching. Good book. -- Martin Waddell Irish News
Beautifully detailed ink and watercolour illustrations carry the reader right into the heart of this story Carousel
Sensitively written Woman's Own
Author
About Susan Varley
Susan Varley is a prize-winning artist who has illustrated many books for Andersen Press. 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.
