Susan Varley

It helps to have a view of death that is compatible with the idea of 'going down the Long Tunnel.' or at least to be able to talk to your child about different views of death. This is not for the youngest children. It also helps to be able to accept foxes that wear neckties, rabbits that bake gingerbread, and a peaceable kingdom of forest critters.

Otoh, the message that we live on in the memories of our friends, especially in the successes of our students & descendents, is a lovely and show more valuable one. What is your legacy? It needn't be wealth or power - more appreciated are lessons in paper doll crafts, knot tying, cooking, skating....

The pictures weren't crisp enough for my old eyes, but some readers probably love them. show less

Death is not an easy topic for anyone but Badger's Parting Gift would Be a great read for kids in grades k-2. Badgers gift to his friends were the memories they created. Instead of being sad about him no longer being there, they reminisced on the memories. Memories that made them smile.

This is a sensitively written and beautifully illustrated children's book dealing with death and its aftermath.

This book features anthropomorphic animals, which helps to distance the reader from the situation. Badger prepares his young friends for his imminent death and then begins the journey through the Long Tunnel, running freely for the first time in years. The animals, Badger's friends, gather to remember Badger, with special things and memories compromising Badger's parting gifts. Each animal shares what they had learnt from Badger: cutting paper chains of moles; ice-skating; knotting a tie; a show more gingerbread recipe. These gifts and memories enable them to appreciate Badger's life and help each other through the grieving process. Death is explained simply in the text: [d]ying meant only that [Badger] would leave his body behind. show less