Customer Reviews

Badger's Parting Gifts

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Susan Varley is amazing. I've read everything I can find written for children about death, and this is by far the best. And it's not just for kids. I bought this book to share with my children after my brother's death five years ago. They seemed to connect with it, but I think it spoke even more to me than it did to them. We've since experienced other losses, and this is always the first book that comes off the shelves. I'm now buying copies for an adult friend who lost his father, and elementary school classmates of my sons' whose mother just died from cancer. If you or someone you care about are grieving, try this book. You may find some smiles amidst the tears.

From the wonderful artwork to the marvelous characters, this book is a touching look at death, and how life goes on. Badger's friends are saddened by his passing, but they come to realize that everyone lives on through their gifts of kindness and the happy memories that remain. Only one caution: if you've experienced the loss of a "Badger" in your own life, this book can reduce you to tears in about five minutes (said from experience!) Cleansing, ultimately uplifting, but may be harder on adults than kids... Highly recommended.

This beautiful story touches both adults and children. I have used it to help children heal after the death of a pet or loved one. I also have sent it to friends who may be dealing with a death as well. It's simple text and touching message are ageless.

I read this book to my kids when they were younger and my dad was gravely ill. He pulled through that time, but died a few months ago. Our copy has disappeared in the meantime, but I thought this book important enough to order a copy for my young niece and nephew. A few months after a death, when the initial pain has worn off a little, or when a death may be imminent seem like the perfect times to read this story. Badger's friends are sad, but at a stage when they are able to remember wonderful things about his life and their frienships with him.

This excellent picture book deals with the death of Badger, who leaves many memories for his loved ones. This book is excellent support for families and for schools in helping children to deal with death. Highly recommended from my parent and teacher perspective.

I first heard this story on the PBS show "Reading Rainbow" when my 3 year old niece was watching. I cried and found the story beautiful and encouraging that a person continues to live on in the memories of the people whose lives they touched. It reminded me of my Mom and how she taught me to sing and to make homemade biscuits for Sunday breakfast. These are traditions that I have carried on and taught to my own children. They never knew my Mom, but they can experience a bit of her personality through me. My sister is terminally ill and I am buying copies of this book for her young grandchildren to help them understand that even after she is gone, she will still be with them in all the things she taught them and all the experiences they shared.

I was recently asked to list my fifteen most memorable books. This brief, poignant kids' book popped into mind, alongside works like "Guns, Germs and Steel", "Dispatches" and "Grapes of Wrath". I read it to my daughter several times when she was young, and every time I lose someone I have loved, it comes to mind. The central theme, that immortality lies at least in part in the interests and skills we pass on to those we love, resonates loud and long in the simple sentences and whimsical artwork of this book. I have purchased this book several times to pass along to grieving friends whether or not they have children. It is a classic and deserves to be known by more than the lucky adults who stumble across it.

I have given this book to many who have lost loved ones and have always received a positive response. It helps not only young ones to understand death, but reminds adults of the important "gifts" that are left behind to cherish after a loved one dies.

"Badger's Parting Gifts" is a lovely story that provides comfort and hope to those who have loved and lost. Children and adults alike will relate to Badger, portrayed as a true and caring friend. As a former teacher, I believe strongly that this book would be a gift of healing and hope to children who are struggling with the loss of a loved one. Badger's friends find comfort and strength in the memory of their beloved friend, and the message is one for all of us: that remembering our loved ones is not only a tribute to them, but also an act of healing for ourselves.The Gift of the Tree,The Gift of a Memory: A Keepsake to Commemorate the Loss of a Loved One,Remember Beauty and Songs for a Blue Time.

My daughter discovered this book shortly after her father (my husband) died. It is a way of explaining the natural death of a mature person in a way that touches both adults and children. I keep several on hand and send them to friends when they lose a parent or spouse. Even my most sophisticated friends have loved receiving it. Beautifully written and illustrated.