Badger's Parting Gifts: questions to ask and activities to try
Badger is very old, and when he dies his friends are heartbroken, until they remember what he taught them. Badger's Parting Gifts is a gentle classic about death, grief and remembering.
What age is it for? Badger's Parting Gifts is best for ages 4–8. Good for: Death, grief and remembering someone you love.
Badger's Parting Gifts (Susan Varley)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- Death, grief and remembering someone you love
Read it when your child needs it, or before they do. Be honest and simple. Afterwards, share a memory of someone you've lost.
What it helps with
- Death and dying
- Grief and missing someone
- Happy memories
- Things people teach us
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What did Badger know?”
- “How did his friends feel?”
- “What had Badger taught each one?”
- “How did remembering help?”
- “Who do you remember?”
- “What would you like to remember about them?”
5-minute activities to try together
Memory box
Make a memory box for someone you've lost, with drawings and treasures.
Teach me
Each family member shares one thing someone taught them.
Free printables: Badger's Parting Gifts worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
Dadaji's Paintbrush (Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Ruchi Mhasane)
- Best for
- Losing a grandparent, and finding a way forward
- Age
- 4-8
Lost and Found (Oliver Jeffers)
- Best for
- Loneliness, and the friendships we don't expect
- Age
- 3-7
A Great Big Cuddle (Michael Rosen and Chris Riddell)
- Best for
- Joining in with rhymes and sounds, and sharing feelings
- Age
- 0-5
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.