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Title details for The Bear-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty - Available

The Bear-Shaped Hole

by John Dougherty
Thomas Docherty
ebook
1 of 1 copy available
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1 of 1 copy available

Discover a heartwarming story that will help children understand and prepare for a loss.
Gerda and Orlo are bear best 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, or to share, or to go for a walk.

But slowly—at first—something starts to change and Orlo reveals he is sick and not going to get better. Gerda is filled with emotions that she cannot explain but Orlo is there to help her prepare and they spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the time comes, Gerda can fill up the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special memories she created with Orlo.

Another powerful and moving picture book from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, award-winning creators of the acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, that sensitively explores the preparation before loss as well as the loss itself.

This poignant story is perfect for talking to children about the varying types of loss, from moving schools and losing a cherished toy, to the death of a beloved pet or family member.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    March 18, 2025

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780711296626
    Kindle restrictions

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Kirkus

      January 1, 2025
      Some holes are very hard to fill. Loss is difficult to handle, even for adults. This book, a companion to the creators'The Hare-Shaped Hole (2024), prepares children for the greatest one of all: death. Expressed in sometimes-clunky verse, the narrative follows a young Gerda and her wise, older friend Orlo. These two bears share rapturous times together. Inevitably, things change. Orlo noticeably slows down, and Gerda asks what's wrong. Orlo explains he's ill and that he will soon die. Gerda's filled with anger--one of the stages of grief--and runs away. The digital illustrations do a commendable job of conveying Gerda's feelings: In one scene, she flees, trailed by black straggly lines that later threaten to engulf her. But, as the text points out calmly, "You can't outrun sorrow. You can't outrun pain." Gerda returns to Orlo and receives--what else?--a huge bear hug. He validates her feelings and assures her that, eventually, she'll feel happiness again: Gerda will make many memories to fill the bear-shaped hole he'll leave behind--and time now to create more. Gerda cries when Orlo passes; this, the book explains, is natural and OK. But she's buoyed by their preparations and, later, eager to let new friendships into her heart. This is a reassuring message, while the colorful, cartoonish illustrations give the text an uplifting feel despite the difficult subject matter; the protagonists' bond is lovely. Calming guidance for little ones grappling with sorrow.(Picture book. 4-8)

      COPYRIGHT(2025) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
Kindle restrictions

subjects

Languages

  • English

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