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The Bear-Shaped Hole

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Book Synopsis

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.

Our Review Panel says...

The pain and anger of grief are explored in this beautiful picture book. For those readers familiar with the ‘Hare-Shaped Hole’ you can expect the same level of sensitivity and respect for young readers as was found in that book. Whilst it addresses the same issue of death, dying and loss, it begins in a different place. It begins with the description of a wise, kind and fair character, Gerda the bear and only then reveals Gerda’s past, in which she has lost a friend, carer and confidante – Orlo the bear – when Gerda was young.

The book is suitable for KS1 and children in KS2 who need to talk about issues of death. With a teacher or parent’s guidance and sensitivity, this positioning of the character of Gerda can support discussion about the positive impact of a person’s life on those around them. What is often not discussed about grief is the huge anger and resentment that can be felt by those who will be left behind. The book shows this anger when Orlo becomes ill and knows they do not have long to live. The beautiful illustrations guide the reader to understanding that this anger is normal and a part of grief that begins even before death. This book provides a really helpful starting point to support children who are experiencing the pain of illness, death and grief within their circle of family and friends.