Susan Varley

Susan Varley is a British children's book author and illustrator known particularly for her sensitive handling of difficult subjects in picture books. Her most renowned work is "Badger's Parting Gifts" (1984), which addresses the topic of death and grief for young readers. Varley's illustration style combines gentle watercolors with detailed pen and ink work, creating warm and accessible images that complement her storytelling. Her work has been translated into multiple languages and is used in schools and bereavement counseling settings. Throughout her career, Varley has both written and illustrated her own books while also providing illustrations for other authors' works. Notable titles in her bibliography include "The Spirit of Christmas" and "Why is the Sky Blue?" Varley studied illustration at Manchester Polytechnic and has won several awards for her work, including the Mother Goose Award for "Badger's Parting Gifts." Her books continue to be published and remain in print decades after their initial release.

Readers consistently praise Varley's ability to address grief and loss in "Badger's Parting Gifts" with sensitivity and age-appropriate clarity. Parents and educators note the book's effectiveness in helping children process death, with one Amazon reviewer stating it "opened up honest conversations about loss with my 5-year-old." Readers appreciate: - Gentle, detailed illustrations that comfort without being overly sentimental - Clear, straightforward language about difficult topics - Characters that children connect with emotionally - Practical tools for discussing death with young children Common criticisms: - Some find the pacing slow - A few readers note the book may be too direct about death for very young children - Limited character development in shorter works Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.4/5 (2,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.8/5 (1,500+ ratings) Book Depository: 4.7/5 (300+ ratings) While "Badger's Parting Gifts" receives the most attention, readers also commend her illustration work in other titles for its warmth and detail.

Badger's Parting Gifts A story about woodland animals learning to cope with the death of their elderly friend Badger, who leaves behind special memories for each of them.

Why is the Sky Blue? A young lamb asks many questions about the world around her, leading to discussions with various farm animals who help explain natural phenomena.

The Little Bear and the Big Bear A tale following the relationship between a small bear and a large bear as they explore the forest together throughout the changing seasons.

Saving April An injured duckling finds help and friendship from other pond creatures during her recovery.

Fox Tale A story of a young fox who learns valuable lessons about honesty after getting caught in a series of misadventures.

Courtney A cow who wants to become a ballerina practices dancing despite skepticism from other farm animals.

Martin Waddell writes stories about parent-child relationships and everyday family moments, with themes of comfort and reassurance. His picture books like "Owl Babies" deal with separation anxiety and emotional growth.

Jill Murphy creates stories centered on family life and childhood experiences. Her "Large Family" series features elephants dealing with universal family situations, similar to Varley's approach to everyday themes.

Kevin Henkes focuses on characters working through emotional challenges and life changes. His mouse characters navigate friendship, loss, and personal growth in picture books that respect children's feelings.

Mem Fox writes about relationships between family members and explores themes of love and belonging. Her work includes stories about saying goodbye and dealing with absence, comparable to Varley's "Badger's Parting Gifts."

Jane Ray illustrates and writes stories that blend real-world situations with gentle fantasy elements. Her work deals with themes of connection and transformation through detailed artwork and character-driven narratives.