Why I Recommend It

Badger's Parting Gifts is a beautifully considered story about death, loss, friendship and the ways we remember someone after they have died.

Rather than focusing solely on the sadness of losing Badger, the story explores the different ways his friends experience their grief and gradually come to remember him through the things he taught them and the memories they shared.

When might it be helpful?

Bereavement and loss

This is a book I would use when supporting children to explore the death of someone important to them. It offers opportunities to talk about what happens when someone dies, the feelings that can follow and how different people may respond to loss.

Grief and remembering

The story provides a gentle starting point for thinking about memories, the things we learn from people we love and the ways someone can continue to be part of our lives through what they leave behind.

Using this book together

I would encourage adults to allow time for children to respond to the story in their own way. It can lead into conversations about memories, perhaps creating a memory box, drawing something they remember or sharing a story about the person who has died.

There is no need to rush these conversations. Follow the child's questions and be guided by what they feel ready to explore.