The matt illustrations in The Hare-Shaped Hole by by John Dougherty shows that life will have its ups and downs. There is a hare (Hertle) and a tortoise (Bertle) who are the best of friends (there isn't the competition of that well know fable). Their adventures and every day activities are indicative of common interests and compromise, the sign of a good relationship. One day Hertle is missing and it's not clear why but it is evident that she won't be returning.

Bertle to be expected goes through all the known stages of grief. Bewilderment at the absence, anger over the loss, and resignation of the reality, leaving only bittersweet tang of memories.

This is a lovely book that demonstrates that we will all experience loss, will experience a variety of feelings as we learn to deal with the absence. But with time and help from others will overcome grief and remember what we had with fondness. There is the indication that good advice and support can come from others who have experienced the same.

The rhyming words and expression filled characters highlighted the highs and lows of friendship, ably demonstrating that grief is just love with no place to go.

Truly a thoughtful tale that is aimed at the younger readers, however is eminently suitable for all those grieving or have lost something precious.

My thanks to NetGalley, the author and illustrator for this fantastic book which I thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Beautiful message. Beautiful imagery and illustrations. It’s deep. It broke my heart and just really spoke to me. This is such a great book to help children (and adults too) with grief and processing those big emotions.

I have never read a book so good at describing and processing through grief as this beautiful children's book. This book follows the story of a turtle who loses his friend and finds only a Hare-shaped hole. As he processes his grief, he learns to fill that hole in his life with memories.

I cried reading this, for the sweet turtle who lost his friend the hare, for Gerda the bear and her memories, and also for the loved ones I have lost. I will be purchasing a copy of this for my childrens' library and I imagine I will be gifting this to many friends in the future.

This is the sort of children’s picture book that would be fun to read with a child just for the pictures and story. Or to think about things they have lost when those things are minor in the grand scheme of life’s bumps. But this also has the possibility to talk with a child about bigger losses in a way that is gentle and makes sense. Providing support and comfort to a youngster when they need it most. Along with lots of hugs!!! Thank you to Quarto Publishing Group - Francis Lincoln Children’s Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

This book beautifully illustrates in text and colorful illustrations what it’s like to lose someone you love. The grieving process (anger, bargaining, depression) is shown by the sweet turtle who misses his best friend, the hare. Bear, who is older and has experienced loss in his own lifetime, comforts turtle in a way readers will appreciate. In my opinion, this is a helpful book for children and for adults. Losing a loved one is heartbreaking, but fond memories can help us heal.

A beautifully illustrated book about friendship, loss and the importance of remembering the best bits life has to offer you