Badger's Parting Gifts

By Susan Varley.

Reviewed by: Meg Wickes, Hospice Volunteer.

A friend's memorial service first introduced me to Badger's Parting Gifts. The book in its entirety was read by the bereaved husband to the gathered who also mourned her loss. It was a great choice for these two who had read to so many children for so long. No matter that we couldn't, just then, enjoy the delightful illustrations of Mole, Frog, Fox and Rabbit, all of whom have depended on their elderly friend the Badger.

When death at last overtakes him the others are overcome with their feelings of helplessness and loss. But one by one they recall the many skills he taught them - his gifts they must hold on to: his special recipe for gingerbread for Rabbit; a chain of paper moles cut from folded paper for Mole; teaching Fox to tie his necktie; and teaching Frog to ice-skate.

He had, they came to realize, given each a talent - a gift of remembrance which would keep him always in their lives. This use of animals to tell the story is well suited to the youngest children.