This was such a great way to represent the concept of grief/loss for a younger audience in a comfortable and familiar environment.

I enjoyed this delightful childrens book and the charming and unique illustrations. I think this is a good way to bring up the topic of loss with young children, because unfortunately they are going to have to learn about it sooner rather than later.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

I love The Hare-Shaped Hole and it made me bawl my eyes out. This one is equally poignant but I would have loved a more different story.

Thanking John Dougherty, Francis Lincoln Children’s Books, and Netgalley for facilitating an early read of this soon-to-be published children’s book. What follows is my review of the book. All opinions are entirely my own.

Having seen reviews of this title, I was keen to read this book. I was taken by the claims of the book dealing with loss and causing adults to succumb to tears. I also liked that it dealt with a delicate topic that is often avoided, and in doing so, it gave adults a narrative to share with youngsters.

I won’t deny, this book is an emotional read and written from the heart. Although it simplifies the range of emotions experienced (bear in mind it’s for a fairly young audience) it does express sorrow, grief, fear of the unknown, reflection, and happiness. It demonstrates growth.

The book is particularly useful for talking to youngsters about someone who is going to/has die/died following a long illness or from old age. It encourages them to make the most of any time they may have left and explains that things will be sad and lonely at first, but life doesn’t stop and there will be a host of other friends and memories that will come and go.

I thought the book was brilliant. It’s the perfect resource to have on hand during difficult times and is beautifully illustrated. I cannot think of a single flaw. Hats off and full stars to Dougherty and Dougherty.

After reading (and loving) The Hare-Shaped Hole by the same author, I was ecstatic - and a little emotionally unprepared - for another book in the same cadence. As expected, I loved this one just as much. The Bear-Shaped Hole is a poignant and beautifully written story that helps children and adults alike navigate the difficult emotions surrounding grief and loss - particularly, a loss you know is coming.

It tells the story of Orlo, an older bear who shares a deep bond with Gerda. When Orlo becomes ill, they prepare for the inevitable separation, gently introducing readers to the reality of loss and the importance of cherishing memories.

The book has an honest yet hopeful tone that validates the emotions of mourning and emphasizes the possibility of moving forward while keeping the love and memories of the lost one alive.

The illustrations are stunning, especially the depiction of the titular "bear-shaped hole" left behind after Orlo's passing. It’s a subtle reminder of loss that doesn't overwhelm but instead blends into Gerda's future with hope and resilience, just like Orlo said it would.

This story is not just a tool for helping children process grief - it’s also a touching read for adults. I highly recommend this book and its predecessor for families and educators looking to explore the topic of loss in a meaningful, heartfelt way.

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an electronic review copy of <i>The Bear-Shaped Hole</i> by John Dougherty to review. All thoughts are my own and are not influenced by any third party. #TheBearShapedHole #NetGalley #JohnDougherty

This book was lovely and so thoughtful, a great message to anyone experience loss especially children, it did make cry as we have all experienced #thebearshapedhole

Thank you for the ARC #netgalley

As a school counsellor, I am always looking for new books to read with my students. This book hit the nail on the head focusing on grief. I LOVED it and will be buying it when it comes out!

This book is absolutely beautiful. It genuinely brought a tear to my eye and I know it will help support my son deal with and process grief. Death can be a hard subject to convey to a child but the illustrations towards the end are just such a special way of doing so. I also really appreciated that it helps to normalise the difficult emotions, like anger, that can come with grief.

This book had me in tears. It’s all about losing someone you love and handles it so beautifully. The heartfelt message really hits home, validating all the feelings that come with grief. The writing is absolutely beautiful, and the simple, charming illustrations just make it even more special. It's such an essential read for kids and a meaningful reminder for us grown-ups. It's that kind of book that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

This is a beautiful book to help children with the loss of a loved one. Rhyming language alongside gorgeous illustrations tell the story of knowing a loved one is coming to the end of their life and all the different emotions you might experience.
A gorgeous book I will definitely be purchasing.

The book was beautifully written. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it. Thank you for this advance reading copy!

This book is thoughtful and lovely. I lost quite a few people when I was young and I wish there had been a book like this to tell me all the feelings were okay. Honestly, it's a good reminder as an adult, too. Plus, the illustrations are beautiful. Fantastic job!

Remember the good times with that person who will leave a big hole in your heart. Even when you can't believe it will happen. Even when the very idea makes you so angry. Make what new memories you can and hold them dear forever.
The illustrations by Thomas Docherty are simple, softly colorful, and meaningful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone any age including ESL, and a great gift for everyone who needs it, including a school or your local public library.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected e-Galley on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books | Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you! Pub Date Mar 04, 2025
#TheBearShapedHole by John Dougherty #writerpoetjohn #thomasdochertyillustrator @flcbooks @CBCBook #quartokids #NetGalley #goodreads @bookbub #librarythingofficial #barnesandnoble #waterstones ***** Review #booksamillion #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #childrensbookcouncil @kobo #Illustrated #makingMemories #keepingMemories #FinalIllness @elsa_support #childrensbooks #kidsbooks #booksaboutgrief #booksaboutdeath #picturebooks #beautifulbooks #booksaboutloss #kidlitillustration #kidlit #dealingWithLoss #rhyming #illness

Wow I was not expecting to be in tears. Such a good book, the illustrator did such a great job as well.

This book brought me to tears. It focuses on preparing for the loss of a loved one and how to get through the hole they leave in your heart. It acknowledges the emotions, anger, sadness, fear, but also to remember the happy times that you made with that individual. I would recommend this book to any families that have gone through or will be experiencing loss of a loved one. This is even a great message for adults to hear.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group-Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the advanced reader copy. This book will be published on March 4, 2025.

I received an electronic ARC from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books through NetGalley.
Tears in my eyes as I finished this one. Dougherty has a gentle touch when covering difficult topics like grief and death. Readers meet Gerda, a joy filled young bear, who loves her friend Orlo. They spend a lot of time together and she notices that he is moving slower. He explains that he is ill and will not recover. Readers see Gerda's emotions explode as she rages and yells and processes what is happening. I love how Orlo affirms her need to express her feelings and supports her. The ending is lovely as readers see how coping with Orlo's life and death helped Gerda accept other losses and help other people in their grief. A lovely book to share with families grieving losses.

We had been wanting to read the Hare Shaped Hole for some time now.
Bear Shaped Hole is a wonderfully illustrated picture book about life; the natural cycles, grief, love and memories.
Little Bear learns to live with grief and appreciate the present moment.
Poignant, and wise, this book has the perfect mood to deal with its themes.

"I'm not finished loving you" - SOBBING! This is such a sweet and heartfelt story. It's very important message to provide to children. It helps with grief and understanding of the inevitability of death. And the art was so bright and colorful. I loved it.

Overall, there needs to be more books that touch on loss for young children. Losing someone close to a child can be very scary and often confusing. This book in particular does a great job highlighting the different emotions a child can go through, especially the rage that one may feel. This book may be difficult for the very young ones, but for a child around the age of 5+, this may be very helpful and assist in their understanding of emotions. The artwork does a great way of explaining how loss can make us feel at times and how it can leave a hole in our hearts.

4.5 stars

Bear-Shaped Hole is a delightful and heartwarming children’s book that gently explores themes of loss, love, and resilience. The story is beautifully written and strikes the perfect balance between being engaging for kids and meaningful for adults reading along.

The illustrations are vibrant and charming, bringing the bear’s journey to life in a way that will captivate young readers. The message of finding strength and comfort even when faced with difficult emotions is handled with care, making it a thoughtful and touching read.

This is a wonderful book for children, full of warmth, heart, and an important lesson about navigating life’s challenges. A perfect addition to any kid’s bookshelf.