Live, Learn, and Love Your Life -- Every Day

That's a trite title, right?
I suppose so, but it is also wise advice. Speaking for myself, it is also too easily and too often ignored. Several recent events have me paying more attention to that advice and wanting to share my thoughts here, though picture books.

Two picture books can be compared to explore the magnificence and the fragility of daily  life, the importance of living in the moment, and the value of being present to those who matter in our lives. 
One of this pair of picture books was released thirty-five years ago but is still cited and shared as exemplary storytelling and beautiful illustration. The other was released just last year and is equally impressive.

HarperCollins, 1984

BADGER'S PARTING GIFTS was written and illustrated decades ago by Susan Varley. (I'm imagining many of you sighing,  then adding, "Awww, I love that book!" If this is a new title to you, please pause now and write it down, or go to your library link and place a hold, or put it on a wish list. This one is a must-read and a keeper.)
Briefly, Badger is the beloved but aging resident of this meadowland community. The scientifically  accurate  predator/prey roles is suspended among these friends, but the story is otherwise deeply anchored in realities of life. 



The first page of text begins like this:

"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 die soon."

On the next page the narrator clarifies that Badger doesn't fear death, but he is concerned about how his passing will make his friends feel. That, too, is dealt with directly. Soon Badger does go down "the long tunnel", leaving behind a note for his friends. Despite his request, though, they cannot deny the sadness they feel at his loss.
Grief and winter inevitably settle in on the meadow residents. But spring returns, as it always does. The friends often gather, sharing stories to honor Badger's life, his friendship, the many ways in which he changed their lives. Badger patiently taught Mole how to cut a paper chain of moles. He taught Frog to ice skate, taught Mrs. Rabbit to make gingerbread rabbits, and taught Fox how to tie his tie, perfectly. In fact, Badger's friendship had given each of them a gift, a special memory of their time together. Gifts that they, in turn, could give to others. On the final page when Mole has something to tell Badger, he speaks it to the wind, knowing Badger will hear him, that he is still among them.

In the classroom I often shared this title when a child experienced a loss- a pet, a relative, a friend. Or when a loved one or pet was fading, moving toward that final journey, when the end was near and anticipated. Badger's lessons are simple ones, but profound. Sadness cannot be avoided, should not be denied. Even beloved Badger could not make that so. Yet the passing of time eases the sharp edges of pain. Remembering and practicing the gifts left behind can offer very real comfort. And as long as we keep those memories and feelings alive, our loved ones are still with us.

Princeton Architectural Press, 2018

In recent months another picture book picks up on this theme in very interesting ways. UP THE MOUNTAIN PATH is written and illustrated by Canadian Marianne Dubuc, published originally in her native French. These two books offer comparisons of publication eras, with Varley's art and book design presenting a more traditional style, somewhat reminiscent of Beatrix Potter's books and animal portrayals. Dubuc's art is equally charming and engaging, but accomplished with a lighter hand: black and colored pencil lines, fewer but well-chosen details, soft washes, and less realistic but equally expressive characters. Her images flow throughout and across the spreads rather than locking into facing text/image pages. 
In this story it is Mrs. Badger who is a naturalist and a friend to all the creatures in her mountainside community. Her weekly hike to the top of the mountain has a routine to it, but each trip presents opportunities for surprise and for curiosity. The opening image and text reflects both similarities and differences to the previous book:
"Mrs. Badger is very old. She's seen many things. Some can be found in her kitchen: pottery shard, smooth pebble, sand from the sea, finch nest."
In this case, Mrs. Badger is not anticipating her pending death, but is engaged in learning and savoring every moment of her rich life. Early on she invites a "follower" (Lulu the cat) to join her. During their weekly hikes, Mrs. Badger supports, guides, shares, and otherwise provides her small companion with countless "gifts". Lulu, in turn, continues the weekly hikes when Mrs. Badger is unable to do so. Mrs. Badger welcomes updates each time Lulu returns, and Lulu becomes a friend, guide, and mentor to others along the way. 
Both books are visually appealing, tender-hearted with light touches of humor, and convey multi-generational experiences as deeply significant and rich. Both deal with the undeniable  end of a long life, as do other special books, reviewed previously (Here and Here). 

I commend these two titles to you for your own reading and consideration. Apart from their undeniably rich content, in language, image, and theme, they pair well for compare/contrast discussions. As for myself, they offer comfort and powerful reminders that each friendship, each routine, each moment in nature presents an opportunity to do good, to notice and celebrate the marvel of our world, even in distracting or distressing times.

Whether in words or in the silent message of your attention, show your appreciation. I'm hardly the first to say so, and many have said it better. For example: