Exploring grief and loss in The Bear-Shaped Hole

Author John Dougherty and illustrator Thomas Docherty introduce their exploration of preparing for loss in their picture book, The Bear-Shaped Hole.

The Bear-Shaped Hole is a moving and sensitive picture book that explores preparing for loss. Gerda the bear has to process that her best friend, Orlo, won't be around forever.

The picture book is a companion to The Hare-Shaped Hole, which is also a moving exploration of loss and grief; when Bertle's friend, Hertle, disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be. 

We hear from author John Dougherty about the stories of loss that inspired each of these picture books, and illustrator Thomas Docherty tells us how he approached the illustrations in the story, bringing light and colour to the characters' grief.