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< Picture Books Library
Little Parachutes Gold Star Winner
Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along

The Only Way is Badger

A book about acceptance, difference and learning to say sorry.
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The Only Way is Badger

Author: Stella J Jones
Illustrator: Carmen Saldaña
Publisher: Little Tiger Press

A high brick wall plastered in posters announcing that ‘Badgers are Best’ appears in the forest. The animals are confused until Badger explains that he wants them all to ‘Be More Badger’ – any creature that doesn’t pass the ‘badger test’ (which includes barking, digging, fitting into a burrow and being black and white) is asked to leave immediately. Inevitably, the creatures of all shapes, colours and sizes are evicted one by one, until badger is left alone (which is no fun at all). Badger visits his friends (on the other side of the wall) and apologises, realising that ‘badgers aren’t best…friends are’.

An entertaining story, beautifully illustrated, with a clear message about embracing diversity. It may encourage children to be friendly and open minded.

This video link is provided to help an adult assess the book's suitability for a child's situation before purchasing it. It has been filmed by a third party and hosted on YouTube and is not made by Little Parachutes. More info

The messages we found in this book:

Acknowledgement:

  • It can be hard to stand up for your rights when confronted with forceful opinions. The animals weren’t comfortable with Badger’s attempted segregation, but they went along with it anyway.

Guidance:

  • Everyone is different. It’s futile and unrewarding to try to exclude anyone who isn’t a carbon copy of you. The shunned animals on the other side of the wall welcome all and have more fun.

Hope & Inspiration:

  • Badger eventually realises he has acted inappropriately and says sorry.

Categories: Acceptance & Inclusion, Being Different & Being Yourself, Friendship & Getting Along
Tags: appearance, co-operation, diversity, friends, prejudice



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What is a Parachute Book?

A challenging experience can make a young child feel as if they are in emotional free fall. As a parent, you can’t stop them falling, but you can offer them a softer landing:
a Parachute Book.

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The information provided on the Little Parachutes website is not a substitute for professional care by a qualified practitioner, and is not intended to provide medical advice. If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of yourself or children in your care, you should always consult an appropriate healthcare professional.