Overview

 A beautiful companion title to the critically acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, The Bear-Shaped Hole is a profound, heart-warming story that helps children understand and prepare for loss.  Gerda and Orlo are best bear friends. When Gerda was there, Orlo always had time for a game or a story, a joke or a rhyme. He was never too busy to listen, to talk, to help, to share, or to go for a walk. But slowly, something starts to change. Orlo reveals he is ill, and as he softly explains to Gerda, he is not going to get better. Gerda is overwhelmed by emotions she cannot quite explain, but Orlo gently helps her prepare, so they can spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. When the time comes, Gerda can fill the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special moments she shared with Orlo. This brand new picture book is the latest powerful and moving tale from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, the award-winning creators of The Hare-Shaped Hole. This sensitively written and beautifully illustrated story explores the process of preparing for loss as well as the experience of loss itself.  The Bear-Shaped Hole is a gentle, heartfelt tale that helps children navigate and understand the complex emotions associated with loss. Perfect for parents looking for a way to address sensitive topics, it covers a range of themes to support meaningful conversations. 

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9780711296602

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Reviews

‘Full of hope and love it illustrates beautifully how it is possible to carry our loved ones with us after their death.  I have already recommended it to bereaved families and friends who are struggling with how to communicate with young folk about grief.’  * The Good Grief Project * 'a powerful resource [...] so beautiful' * Simon Says, Children’s Bereavement Centre * 'We all absolutely love this book- it is so sensitively written and describes real feelings in an honest way and uses all the language that is so important in preparing children when someone they know is dying.’ * Penhaligon’s Friends * “This “delicate and sensitive” companion title to Dougherty and Swansea-based illustrator Docherty’s The Hare-Shaped Hole focuses on preparation for loss, as well as loss itself, with gentle artwork to help reassure and support young children.” * The Bookseller * ""A poignant picture book that explores the preparation for loss, as Gerda the bear has to process that her bet friend, Orlo, won’t be around forever.”  * The Bookseller * ""Grief is a big topic in any child's life and must be handled gently, as it is here [...] ideal for pre-school settings [...] when a teacher is on hand to talk the class through it."" * Inis Magazine * ""The Bear-Shaped Hole is going to be one of the most important picturebooks of 2025."" * Jon Biddle, teacher and influencer * 'The most wonderful book that I’ve come across for explaining to children the process of illness, death, grief and the emotions that come with it and yet it is also hopeful, comforting and life-affirming.’ * Annie Everall, OBE * ""Calming guidance for little ones grappling with sorrow."" * Kirkus Reviews * “...with its sensitive message about the loss of a loved one is an especially, unreservedly recommended acquisition for family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library collections...."" * The Midwest Book Review *

“This “delicate and sensitive” companion title to Dougherty and Swansea-based illustrator Docherty’s The Hare-Shaped Hole focuses on preparation for loss, as well as loss itself, with gentle artwork to help reassure and support young children.” * The Bookseller *

Author Information

Author and poet John Dougherty has been writing children's books for over twenty years. His work ranges quite literally from the sublime to the ridiculous, including as it does the hilarious and surreal Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face series and There's a Pig Up My Nose, and the beautiful and multi-award winning The Hare-Shaped Hole. His books have been translated into more than 25 languages worldwide. A former teacher, John was one of the first Patrons of Reading in the UK and is a passionate advocate for both public libraries and the importance of reading for pleasure. Born in Northern Ireland, he now lives in Gloucestershire with his wife Jennie.Thomas Docherty is an author and illustrator of children's books, who is based in Swansea. His first picture book, The Little Boat was shortlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, and he has also worked on several books with his wife Helen Docherty, including The Snatchabook, The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight and Pirate Nell's Tale To Tell. His books have been sold around the world and have been translated into more than 25 languages.

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