Badger's Parting Gifts
After Badger dies early in the book, the other animals use what he taught them to remember him. This focuses on the legacy of a friend and gives children a way to process grief through memory.
Badger's Parting Gifts by Susan Varley is estimated to take about 10 minutes to read aloud (900 words, about 3 sentences a page), and it lands best with children aged 4-6.
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- Estimated read-aloud time
- about 10 minutesEstimated read-aloud time
- Word count
- 900Counted words
- Sentences per page
- 3Sentences per page
- Re-read tolerance
- 3/5holds up
- Vocabulary level
- 3/5a few new words
- Best for
- Ages 4-6Our editorial fit
Our review
This story approaches death by focusing on what the characters leave behind. As each animal uses a skill Badger taught them, the book emphasizes the lasting impact of a person or pet.
It provides a constructive way for children to think about memory and connection. It is particularly effective for children who need to find a way to engage with the idea of loss.
Before you buy it
Death occurs early and very clearly here. The dream involving a long tunnel can also read as a metaphor for heaven, which may not suit every family's preferences.
Themes
- death
- memory
- friendship
- woodland animals
Books like Badger's Parting Gifts
Matched by refrain, density, length, and listener—not just the subject.
Questions parents ask
How long does it take to read Badger's Parting Gifts aloud?
About 10 minutes at an unhurried pace, including a standard allowance for page turns, pictures and participation, from a word count of 900. Stopping for a longer conversation on every page will add more time.
What age is Badger's Parting Gifts actually for?
Ages 4-6 in our testing, which is narrower than the publisher's range. With 3 sentences a page and vocabulary at 3 out of 5, it asks for that much attention span and no more.
Does Badger's Parting Gifts survive being read on repeat?
Yes, reasonably. It stays bearable through the repeat-request phase without becoming a favourite forever.
Can a beginning reader read Badger's Parting Gifts on their own?
Not yet. At vocabulary level 3 out of 5 and 3 sentences a page, it is a read-aloud book rather than a first solo read. Read it to them now, and hand it over in a year or two.
What themes does Badger's Parting Gifts cover?
We tag it with death, memory, friendship and woodland animals. Those are the threads that actually run through the book, not just the ones on the cover, which is how it earns its place on our themed lists rather than a keyword match.
