“Badger was dependable, reliable, and always ready to help when help was needed. He was also very old, and he knew almost everything. Badger was so old that he knew he must soon die.”
Genre: Fiction
Susan Varley’s story about Badger and his friends successfully accomplishes the incredibly difficult task of explaining death to children. What makes this book stand apart is that it doesn’t veer away from the heavy topic, but rather it explains it in a way that emphasizes the positive perspective someone can have about death or losing a loved one.
In the book, Badger is the one who is dying. He represents old age and acceptance. Most children who read this book might not yet understand the concept of death, but they are probably familiar with how their grandparents or other old people are physically at a different point than them.
Badger spends a moment in the book reminiscing about the days when he could run freely down the hill with his friends, but his legs are too weak to carry him. He needs his walking stick to travel anywhere. This emphasis on his deteriorated body aids in Badger’s acceptance of his impending death. Varley shows his thoughts on the second page as he views death as a state of being where a person leaves their body behind. He sees it almost as a relief, even, but his concern is for the loved ones he will leave behind.
After Badger’s death, his friends gather together and mourn him. They spend time together throughout the middle of the story sharing nostalgic stories about their dear friend who taught them invaluable lessons and left each of them a parting gift. As the animals share their stories, they realize that Badger’s memory would live on in the gifts he gave them and this revelation helps them to accept his passing with a hopeful outlook. The book then ends with Mole, Badger’s implied best friend, expressing his gratitude for the gifts and memories.
Badger’s acceptance and positive perspective of death paired with the animals eventual coming to terms with his passing presents death in a way that is easily understandable and accessible for children.
The Grand Adventure 