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Badger's Parting Gifts
The tale of a dependable, reliable and helpful badger who realises that his old age will soon lead to death. His friends learn to come to terms with his death in an enchanting tale. With full colour illustrations throughout.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1984
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543 people want to read
About the author
Susan Varley
67 books6 followersSusan Varley is an award-winning artist who has illustrated many books for Andersen Press. Her picture book Badger's Parting Gifts that deals with grief, is one of the most enduring of all time, winning many prizes, including the Mother Goose Award in 1985.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews
February 21, 2022
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. His friends are obviously very upset but as life goes on they start to share good memories about badger and begin to dwell on the happy thoughts rather than the sadness.
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. I can imagine this would be a comforting read and would help to find some positive thoughts amongst the grief.
Read on open library.
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. I can imagine this would be a comforting read and would help to find some positive thoughts amongst the grief.
Read on open library.
January 4, 2025
A charming picture book dealing with the end of life. Badger is getting old and he begins to prepare for his own big journey. To each of his friends he gives something to remember him by.
Written for children, this book handles a difficult subject brilliantly. The illustrations are are enchanting and the moment of Badgers death beautifully handled as he runs down the last tunnel, throwing his stick away. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anybody faced with explaining to a child, the death of an elderly relative or acquaintance.
Written for children, this book handles a difficult subject brilliantly. The illustrations are are enchanting and the moment of Badgers death beautifully handled as he runs down the last tunnel, throwing his stick away. I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anybody faced with explaining to a child, the death of an elderly relative or acquaintance.
January 3, 2022
January 1, 2022: I love this book. I've recommended it to and purchased it for adults since I first read it over 10 years ago. Today I read it again and it brought back all the memories of the first time I read it. I was able to read it without tears this time, just a smile with a hint of ache. What my dad taught me amounts to more than skills, all because a relationship of love and encouragement was transferred with those teachings. I want to be better about teaching joyful things to my children, things they will carry in their memories down the decades to come.
•••••••••••••••
Dec. 30, 2011: I know this book was written to help children understand death, but it has helped me cope with my Dad's death.
As Badger's friends remember all the things he taught them, I was reminded of everything my dad taught me. I cried while reading it. I've cried remembering it. I've cried a lot. But I know sometime in the future, like Badger's friends, I'll be able to recall memories of my dad without the tears - just a smile.
•••••••••••••••
Dec. 30, 2011: I know this book was written to help children understand death, but it has helped me cope with my Dad's death.
As Badger's friends remember all the things he taught them, I was reminded of everything my dad taught me. I cried while reading it. I've cried remembering it. I've cried a lot. But I know sometime in the future, like Badger's friends, I'll be able to recall memories of my dad without the tears - just a smile.
January 21, 2013
This is a heart warming story that introduces grief, loss and the subject of death in a gentle way. Badger realises he is getting old and he sees his friends playing on the hill and he wishes he could join them. He is aware that he is approaching death and he hopes his friends won’t be too sad when he is gone. Badger has left his friends with some parting gifts which are fond memories that he hopes will bring them through their grief. The story describes the feelings of Badger’s friends now that Badger is no longer with them. 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. These memories have the ability to cheer Badger’s friends up and now when they remember Badger, they remember the good times and can’t help but to smile.
This is a touching book and I think it would help children get to grips with the concept of death and bereavement which is something that they may have to deal with at some stage in their childhood. I would recommend this book for years 1-3.
This is a touching book and I think it would help children get to grips with the concept of death and bereavement which is something that they may have to deal with at some stage in their childhood. I would recommend this book for years 1-3.
February 28, 2016
A beautiful reminder that life goes on even if we no longer play an active role in it.
December 19, 2024
This is such a charming book and so sympathetically written and so beautifully illustrated by the author.
It is a sad beginning in that Badger, a dependable, reliable type, always ready to lend a helping paw, is very old and he knows that he will soon die. But he isn't afraid of death, his only concern is how his friends will feel when he is gone. He tries to ease their burden by telling them that someday soon he will be going down the Long Tunnel, as he euphemistically calls it, and he doesn't want them to be sad.
The lead up to the Long Tunnel is marvellously told as Badger watches two young friends, Mole and Frog, frollicking about and he remembers when he was able to do just that. He arrives home late, has his supper, writes a letter and settles down in his rocking chair by the fire.
Before long he is having a wonderful but strange dream. He is running down a very long tunnel and he is so agile that he abandons his walking stick. He carries on running with no difficulty and when he falls head over paws there is no pain and he feels free. It is as if he has fallen out of his body and Susan Varley's descriptions are so touching one almost cries.
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. Bye Bye, Badger.' Everyone is very sad and Mole especially misses his friend as he feels alone and desperately unhappy.
That night Mole cries himself to sleep while it snows outside. The following day his friends gather and wonder what they should do as they try to console themselves with the fact that Badger had told them not to be unhappy. But they find it difficult not to be.
All through winter and into spring they talk about Badger and how happy he made them; various stories are told that leaves them all with happy memories; each of them has special memories of Badger.
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. He had left them with a wonderful parting gift - not to be sad and to remember him with fondness.
One warm spring day Mole is walking on the hillside where he had last seen Badger and he wants to thank him for his gift. 'Thank you, Badger,' he says and he believes that Badger will hear him ... and somehow, Badger did.
What a wonderful and touching story, akin to a parable, .. but if you are like me it will leave a lump in the throat and tears in the eye ... now where's that handkerchief?
Absolutely marvellous.
It is a sad beginning in that Badger, a dependable, reliable type, always ready to lend a helping paw, is very old and he knows that he will soon die. But he isn't afraid of death, his only concern is how his friends will feel when he is gone. He tries to ease their burden by telling them that someday soon he will be going down the Long Tunnel, as he euphemistically calls it, and he doesn't want them to be sad.
The lead up to the Long Tunnel is marvellously told as Badger watches two young friends, Mole and Frog, frollicking about and he remembers when he was able to do just that. He arrives home late, has his supper, writes a letter and settles down in his rocking chair by the fire.
Before long he is having a wonderful but strange dream. He is running down a very long tunnel and he is so agile that he abandons his walking stick. He carries on running with no difficulty and when he falls head over paws there is no pain and he feels free. It is as if he has fallen out of his body and Susan Varley's descriptions are so touching one almost cries.
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. Bye Bye, Badger.' Everyone is very sad and Mole especially misses his friend as he feels alone and desperately unhappy.
That night Mole cries himself to sleep while it snows outside. The following day his friends gather and wonder what they should do as they try to console themselves with the fact that Badger had told them not to be unhappy. But they find it difficult not to be.
All through winter and into spring they talk about Badger and how happy he made them; various stories are told that leaves them all with happy memories; each of them has special memories of Badger.
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. He had left them with a wonderful parting gift - not to be sad and to remember him with fondness.
One warm spring day Mole is walking on the hillside where he had last seen Badger and he wants to thank him for his gift. 'Thank you, Badger,' he says and he believes that Badger will hear him ... and somehow, Badger did.
What a wonderful and touching story, akin to a parable, .. but if you are like me it will leave a lump in the throat and tears in the eye ... now where's that handkerchief?
Absolutely marvellous.
April 7, 2022
A beautiful book about the memories that we are left with after someone dear has passed away. 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. Lovely illustrations.
January 15, 2013
Badger's Parting Gifts is a wonderfully laid out book which deals with bereavement in such a way that it is easily understood by children. After the unfortunate death of Badger, his animal friends reflect on their memories of him. 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. 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. This book can help children understand the trauma of death in a sensitive and caring way. Furthermore the use of animals as the characters can be comforting to children rather than the characters being human.
Despite being a picture book, Susan Varley's book can be used readily and freely in PSHE lessons to promote discussion of life and it's counterparts. 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.
Despite being a picture book, Susan Varley's book can be used readily and freely in PSHE lessons to promote discussion of life and it's counterparts. 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.
October 25, 2020
Ach, dit blijft zo'n lief prentenboek ♡
'Dank je wel, Derk!' riep hij in de wind, 'dank je wel!'
Zou Derk het horen?
Ja... hij voelde het... Derk had het gehoord.'
'Dank je wel, Derk!' riep hij in de wind, 'dank je wel!'
Zou Derk het horen?
Ja... hij voelde het... Derk had het gehoord.'
April 12, 2011
Badger wishes he could still run and jump and play with his friends, Frog and Mole and Fox, but he knows he can't. Badger is old, and his body doesn't work as well as it used to. He knows it will soon be time for him to die--to "go down the Long Tunnel". And really, he's okay with that. He just hopes his friends won't be too sad when he's gone.
After Badger does "go down the Long Tunnel", his friends are very sad, indeed. They don't know how to handle their grief, but as the days go by, they each begin to remember special things Badger taught them to do, and they take comfort in those abilities and exchange stories of happy days with Badger.
One of the closing paragraphs says that "whenever Badger's name was mentioned, someone remembered another story that made them all smile." What a wonderful way to remember Badger, and what a wonderful little book to help children begin to cope with grief.
After Badger does "go down the Long Tunnel", his friends are very sad, indeed. They don't know how to handle their grief, but as the days go by, they each begin to remember special things Badger taught them to do, and they take comfort in those abilities and exchange stories of happy days with Badger.
One of the closing paragraphs says that "whenever Badger's name was mentioned, someone remembered another story that made them all smile." What a wonderful way to remember Badger, and what a wonderful little book to help children begin to cope with grief.
November 23, 2018
A beautiful book to help explain the death of a loved one to a young child, they live on through us by remembering them and what they taught us.
November 20, 2024
ORPARC Library | Touching, but uncertain for trauma kids | As a CASA, I asked for a different specific book from the Oregon Post Adoption Resource Center, to use with a very young child who has lost multiple family members. They offered additional books and activity packets, and I said I would take whatever they thought best. This was one of them, and I'm reading them all first, before I take any on a visit with the child. It's important to know that context for my review, it's not just whether it's a good book about death for kids, it's how it might affect kids who have experienced trauma. This is a nice option for the death of an elderly person that is not unexpected. I always appreciate direct, non-euphemistic language, and this book has that, specifically saying that Badger died. However, it presents the death as Badger going to sleep, having a nice dream, and then being dead. We know now, as we didn't when the book was published, that this can be terrifying to some children, who may become afraid to sleep, or afraid for their loved ones to sleep. Because Badger also has a day where he wishes he could do things he can't do anymore, then goes home, writes a goodbye note saying he's died, and then goes to bed and dies, this could be a bad choice for children grieving a suicide (then again, in some families it could be a good one for the same situation, it depends on so many factors). It's certainly not one for physically disabled children, who might internalize that if your body doesn't work the way you want it to, and you can't run and play with the others, death will release you from that burden (Badger even specifically stops needing his cane and leaves it behind in the process of dying). So, pros and cons, I'm not sure if I'll use it because of the specific circumstances of the Kiddo, but it could be an excellent option for other families.
September 30, 2025
Good....but sad...the sort of story that is good for showing children life, but also how to handle the more sad parts. The illustrations are cozy and lovely. Badger passes away and the animals come together to talk about the time, he made, to teach them things.
April 17, 2021
This book was wonderful. It shows the reader how the little things someone taught you can make a big difference, and will become precious memories when they are no longer here. I also loved the section at the back about how to use this book with children.
December 29, 2017
This is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated children's book dealing with death and its aftermath.
October 26, 2024
A fantastic book for introducing the tough topic to children.
Purchased my own copy from the book sale today
Purchased my own copy from the book sale today
May 31, 2012
Badger’s parting gifts
By Susan Varley
This is a poignant and touching story about a Badger who is very old and has accepted that he will soon die. His only worry is the effect it will have on his friends. The time arrives and his friends are, as badger feared, desperately upset. However in time they remember the valuable moments they spent with Badger and the pain begins to be surpassed by fond memories.
This book deals with the subject of death in a very sensitive and responsible way. It conveys that death is a very natural and inevitable part of life and does not shy away from the unavoidable hurt that ensues. Nevertheless this book manages to confront these issues without being bleak and suggests that though the person has passed away they still live within us through our shared experience. 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. Badger’s Parting Gifts offers the simple consolation that “Each of the animals had a special memory of badger – something he had taught them that they could now do extremely well.”
I would recommend this as a great book to use if you find you have to deal with the subject of death in class. The copy I read was published in 1984 and though beautifully illustrated would not have been vibrant enough to have made it on to the shelves now. However the dated appearance of the book seems to award it weight and authority on the issues it confronts so tenderly.
By Susan Varley
This is a poignant and touching story about a Badger who is very old and has accepted that he will soon die. His only worry is the effect it will have on his friends. The time arrives and his friends are, as badger feared, desperately upset. However in time they remember the valuable moments they spent with Badger and the pain begins to be surpassed by fond memories.
This book deals with the subject of death in a very sensitive and responsible way. It conveys that death is a very natural and inevitable part of life and does not shy away from the unavoidable hurt that ensues. Nevertheless this book manages to confront these issues without being bleak and suggests that though the person has passed away they still live within us through our shared experience. 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. Badger’s Parting Gifts offers the simple consolation that “Each of the animals had a special memory of badger – something he had taught them that they could now do extremely well.”
I would recommend this as a great book to use if you find you have to deal with the subject of death in class. The copy I read was published in 1984 and though beautifully illustrated would not have been vibrant enough to have made it on to the shelves now. However the dated appearance of the book seems to award it weight and authority on the issues it confronts so tenderly.
May 29, 2013
‘Badger’s Parting Gifts’ tells the story of a badger and his importance in his friends’ lives. As Badger is now old, he is aware that he is going to die soon. This does not worry him though. However, Badger does worry about his friends and how they will feel after he dies. Before his death, he leaves some gifts for his friends to remember him by. When Badger’s friends learn of his passing they are initially upset. As time passes though, they slowly begin to come to terms with their loss. A year later we see the friends reminisce about Badger and all the wonderful times they spent together. They discuss skills Badger taught them and lessons they learned from him. They soon come to see that they will always remember Badger through his ‘parting gifts’ and realise that he will always be with them, in some way.
This book would be an excellent story to use in a PSHE lesson to address death and the changes that come with it. Although children could read this book for themselves, it would be more beneficial if the teacher read the book to the whole class as this would allow for whole-class discussion. It is suitable for KS1 and lower KS2 classes and would be an excellent resource to use during circle-time.
This book would be an excellent story to use in a PSHE lesson to address death and the changes that come with it. Although children could read this book for themselves, it would be more beneficial if the teacher read the book to the whole class as this would allow for whole-class discussion. It is suitable for KS1 and lower KS2 classes and would be an excellent resource to use during circle-time.
June 14, 2012
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. However, i believe it is important to allow children of all ages to explore their feelings, even those that make us feel bad. Afterall, as teachers, i think we should set an example that there is nothing wrong talking about sensitive issues but also important to be sensitive to other people's feelings. in order to do so, one may need to try and understand what others may be feeling to be able to show empathy. 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.
This book does just that. Badger is an important figure to all the other animals living within the neighbourhood. However, one day Badger dies and everyone is left feeling empty and lost. Nonetheless, the animals occasionally gather to talk about all the good things Badger has done for them which leaves them all feeling happy. A good way of reminding people that when you lose someone, it is important to remember the good times we had with them.
This book does just that. Badger is an important figure to all the other animals living within the neighbourhood. However, one day Badger dies and everyone is left feeling empty and lost. Nonetheless, the animals occasionally gather to talk about all the good things Badger has done for them which leaves them all feeling happy. A good way of reminding people that when you lose someone, it is important to remember the good times we had with them.
October 11, 2011
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. Unfortunately, because he is getting old now his body does not work as well as it used to. Badger knows within himself that it is time to die and lets his friends know that he will "go down the Long Tunnel". He is prepared for this but just hopes that his friends will not miss him too much when he is gone. One the Badger "go’s down the Long Tunnel" his friends are very sad indeed and they are not sure how to cope with the death of their dear friend. Eventually they start to remember the special things Badger taught them to do and in some ways take comfort in this. They all share the stories they remember of Badger and this is in turn makes them happy.
I think this is a really lovely book to help children begin to cope with any losses they may have had. It gives them a comforting way, just like the animals had, to remember their friend for the happier times rather than the sad.
I think this is a really lovely book to help children begin to cope with any losses they may have had. It gives them a comforting way, just like the animals had, to remember their friend for the happier times rather than the sad.
January 11, 2012
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. This book is an excellent way to introduce the topic for the first time to young children, the story evokes positive thoughts about dealing with death.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. 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.the story does not have too many words and is not too heavy or intense thus its perfect for young children. Also the illustrations are beautiful.
January 26, 2013
This is a lovely story about an old badger. He lives in the countryside with a variety of other animals. This is a very touching story, Badger has reached an old age and he is coming to the end of his life. When he passes away all of the other animals grieve their dear friend Badger and throughout the story they remember all of the wonderful things Badger taught them when they were growing up. He was greatly missed when he passed and the other animals all met together to discuss all the fantastic memories they had of Badger, which helped them to cope with the sadness. In my opinion, this is an excellent book that could be suitable for KS2 children to read because it can teach children how to deal with death. The story shows the importance of talking about these situations and it may help children to share their feelings with others. This book could be used in a SEAL or religion lesson to discuss friendship also.
February 11, 2018
A gentle and sensitive story about the end of Badger's life, who understands that he is no longer as strong as his younger companions. Badger appears to be a grandparent figure, and is willing to accept that life cannot go on forever- nature must take its cause. 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.
The characters reflect upon their memories with Badger, the guidance and kindness that he gave them. In allowing themselves to remember their friend with positivity rather than sadness it helps them begin to move on, an excellent message for children. However, this does occur after a cycle of grief-letting children understand that they are allowed to feel a spectrum of emotions, and must give themselves time for this.
The characters reflect upon their memories with Badger, the guidance and kindness that he gave them. In allowing themselves to remember their friend with positivity rather than sadness it helps them begin to move on, an excellent message for children. However, this does occur after a cycle of grief-letting children understand that they are allowed to feel a spectrum of emotions, and must give themselves time for this.
October 6, 2011
Badgers Parting gifts, is about a lovely old badger who's about to die, he has lots of friends around him and begins to think about all they ways in which he can thank them just for being there for him. it is full of colourful illustrations. It has a sweet but sensitive message throughout about how his friends left behind think of all the wonderful things badger did for each of them, and everytime they think of badger its in a positive light. This for them helps them come to terms with the grief of losing a loved one. a great book aimed at a key stage 2 audience, it may enable teacher and peers to help tackle and maybe address the very real issues surrounding death.
June 12, 2018
4,25 stars - English hardcover - I have dyslexia - Thanks Tom -
I realy loved the beautiful drawings in this book. 🦋🦋
I realy loved the beautiful drawings in this book. 🦋🦋
February 6, 2019
I cried a lot about this dead badger.
July 3, 2022
5 sterren - Nederlandse hardcover
Derk Das was een goede vriend van alle dieren in het bos. Maar hij was oud, héél oud. Op een dag vond Victor Vos een brief van Derk: 'Ik ben de lange tunnel ingegaan. Dag jongens... daaag!'
De dieren missen Derk Das heel erg, maar als ze over hem praten is hij toch een beetje bij hen.
Ruim 15 jaar geleden las ik dit boek voor aan mijn kinderen om ze voor te bereiden op het overlijden van mijn moeder. Toen mijn jongste van 3 oma zag liggen , zei hij alleen maar "Ach oma is nu in de lange lange tunnel"
Ook mijn andere kinderen pikten door dit boek het overlijden heel mooi op. Dit boek heeft een mooi plekje in mijn hart, en ik doe het nooit weg!
Vond je dit
Derk Das was een goede vriend van alle dieren in het bos. Maar hij was oud, héél oud. Op een dag vond Victor Vos een brief van Derk: 'Ik ben de lange tunnel ingegaan. Dag jongens... daaag!'
De dieren missen Derk Das heel erg, maar als ze over hem praten is hij toch een beetje bij hen.
Ruim 15 jaar geleden las ik dit boek voor aan mijn kinderen om ze voor te bereiden op het overlijden van mijn moeder. Toen mijn jongste van 3 oma zag liggen , zei hij alleen maar "Ach oma is nu in de lange lange tunnel"
Ook mijn andere kinderen pikten door dit boek het overlijden heel mooi op. Dit boek heeft een mooi plekje in mijn hart, en ik doe het nooit weg!
Vond je dit
May 4, 2024
Franchement pas mal pour aborder la mort. Plutôt à partir de 3 ans pour la longueur de texte par page.
April 11, 2019
A children’s story that explores the topic of death. Badger knows he is old and that he must die soon. He is not afraid of dying but he is afraid of how his friends will feel. His friends remember how he taught them lots of different things and how he will not be forgotten.
December 12, 2023
Heartbreaking yet gently healing story to help with processing grief. 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. 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.
A book for all ages.
Rest In Peace, Lesley. Thank you 🙏🏻✝️💜
A book for all ages.
Rest In Peace, Lesley. Thank you 🙏🏻✝️💜
Displaying 1 - 30 of 132 reviews