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The Bear-Shaped Hole

by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty

Interest age: 2 to 8

Published by Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2025

  • Picture books

About this book

Little Gerda is heartbroken when Orlo tells her he’s ill and going to die. How will she live without him? 

She’s filled with pain and sadness and anger. She runs off and screams and shouts, but you can’t outrun sorrow and pain, and she ends up back at Orlo. 

After a big bear hug, they agree that while life isn’t fair, people can be fair and kind to each other. And there’s still time to make memories together. Which they do, so that when Orlo does die, Gerda is comforted by the memories of them together, which go some way to filling the hole in her life.  

This book is incredibly moving, and although it’s specifically useful for children facing an impending loss, it can be read simply as a reminder to spend time with those you love. But as a way of talking about grief, this is invaluable. 

The overwhelming mix of emotions everyone feels on hearing that someone they love is going to die are acknowledged as important and real, and not something to hide or push down. Yet the overall focus is on positive memories. Created by the same team as The Hare-Shaped Hole, another good book on grief, this story is important and invaluable.

About the author

John Dougherty was the sort of boy who always had his nose in a book, and he grew into the sort of adult who always has his nose in a book, which is probably why he decided to become a writer. Born and raised in Larne, Northern Ireland, John now lives in Stroud in Gloucestershire with his wife, two children, a few chickens and several bees. He’s a keen singer who has performed solo, with a band, and as a member of three award-winning a cappella groups. He also enjoys running, and has completed the London Marathon three times. A former teacher, John now loves to visit schools to talk about his work. His books have been shortlisted for a number of prestigious awards but, more importantly, they make children giggle.

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