Choose with care.. - Rated 
My wife bought this book for my daughter who was 3 when her Grandmother died. In the book Badger is old and infirm and frankly suffering. His death is a release and, for him, a relief. Although her Grandmother had been quite ill before she died, my daughter never saw her suffer. Her Grandmother is simply 'gone'. She still asks to go & visit her in the hospital. Sadly, for many people, death is not a 'relief' and it would be wrong to try and spin it that way to a child. This book may be right for your circumstances and then again, it might not.
The BEST book ever! - Rated
I lost of best friend when I was 8 years old. Although some people say I was only 8 it wont effect her, it did and it still does. At the age I didn't really understand what death was, I knew about it but only thought it happened to old people.
My parents brought me this book to try and help me understand what had happened.
It helpped me so much words can't even describe just how much. I always remember reading this book and although it made me cry because Badger had died I understood it.
I haven't read the book in ages and it wasn't until my brother was cleaning out the bookshelf and found it that it made me remember all the great times I did have with my best friend and how much the book helpped me. I could read it over and over.
It truely is the best book to help children understand about death, don't think it wont effect them because it does. You can help them understand more by buying the book.
Badger's Parting Gifts - Rated
I was given this book when I was about four years old, by my teacher at the time, after the death of my Grandmother. I genuinely believe that `Badger's Parting Gifts' was instrumental - if not necessary - to my understanding and acceptance of losing a loved one. My mum and I read this book together many times in the months following the funeral, and all of the basic concepts were presented in clear and simple language, using comparisons I was able to relate to. I found the end of the book particularly comforting - the idea that badger was able to cast his walking stick aside, and run freely, without the pain he suffered at the end of his life. Using a tunnel as a metaphor for death, or heaven, whatever you choose to believe, was perfect for the ages this book was written for. It leaves space for personal (or religious) interpretation, and didn't seem at all frightening to me. I'm seventeen now, and recently re-bought this book, and don't regret it. If you're a parent considering buying this book for your children, then I wouldn't have any hesitation in recommending it. The characters are endearing, the information presented isn't confusing, and it's a great book to read together - though there may be tears! In summary; couldn't be better.
Badger's Parting Gifts - Rated
I was read this book as a child following the death of my father when I was just four. It remains my over-riding memory of that time. This book is wonderful. It was only as an adult when I sought the book out that I even realised that the book had been written with the express purpose of helping children to understand death, yet it very much achieved its goal and I believe made me and my sisters able to cope in a way we would not otherwise have done. An inspirational book which I will always treasure.
A sensitive subject treated sensitively - Rated
An excellent book which is enjoyable to simply read but is most useful in using as a tool to introduce young children to the idea of mortality. I used this book with my children when their grandfather was dying and it really helped to get across quite difficult ideas such as the fact that memories of shared times can keep someone alive. It's difficult to explain even now, but read the book and you'll see what I mean. Not morbid or sickly.
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