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The Hare-Shaped Hole
"A beautiful, gentle, rhyming exploration of grief and mourning." - Joe Coelho, UK Children's Laureate
The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching, and poignant picture book which gently explores themes of grief and loss.
Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came.
When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be . He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back.
It seems like hope is lost ... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.
Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.
This moving picture book can be used as part of a gentle conversation about loss with children.
The Hare-Shaped Hole is a beautiful, touching, and poignant picture book which gently explores themes of grief and loss.
Hertle and Bertle were always a pair, though one was a turtle and one was a hare. They were utterly buddies, and best friends forever, and whenever you looked, you would find them together... until quite unexpectedly... the end came.
When Hertle disappears for good, Bertle can only see a Hertle-shaped hole where his friend should be . He pleads with it, get angry with it, but the hole still won't bring his Hertle back.
It seems like hope is lost ... until Gerda the kindly bear finds him. She explains that he must fill the hole with his memories of Hertle. And slowly... Bertle begins to feel a little bit better.
Powerful and moving text from children's author and poet John Dougherty is paired perfectly with warm illustrations from the wonderfully talented Thomas Docherty in a thoughtful and sensitive approach to this difficult topic.
This moving picture book can be used as part of a gentle conversation about loss with children.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2023
6 people are currently reading
170 people want to read
About the author
John Dougherty
74 books20 followersJohn Dougherty is an award-winning Northern Irish children's writer, born in the town of Larne in 1964. He now lives in Gloucestershire.
He worked as a primary school teacher in London during the 1990s and early 2000s, and during this period began to write stories for children. His first book was published in 2004 and he left teaching the same year to concentrate on his writing career.
From November 2013 – 2015, he was chair of CWIG, the Children's Writer's and Illustrators Group, a sub-group of the UK's Society of Authors.
He worked as a primary school teacher in London during the 1990s and early 2000s, and during this period began to write stories for children. His first book was published in 2004 and he left teaching the same year to concentrate on his writing career.
From November 2013 – 2015, he was chair of CWIG, the Children's Writer's and Illustrators Group, a sub-group of the UK's Society of Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews
December 6, 2023
A gorgeous book that will teach your littles about grief and loss while their readers will cry ugly tears in remembrance of all those who they have lost [I know I certainly did]. Gorgeously illustrated and told in a loving and simple way that even a small child can understand, this will open up conversations about loss and grief and how to fill all the holes that are sure to come. Just fantastic. Everyone who has littles or works with littles should be reading this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Dougherty, Thomas Docherty - Illustrator, and Quatro Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, John Dougherty, Thomas Docherty - Illustrator, and Quatro Publishing Group/Frances Lincoln Children's Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 6, 2023
I can’t stop rereading this little children’s book about grief and loss. Maybe because of losing our beloved bunny, Zuki, 18 months ago; maybe because loss is such a universal human experience.
Although an illustrated children’s book, The Hare-Shaped Hole is a lovely read for adults, too. The illustrations are so cute, and the story is told in catchy rhyme. It features a wonderful friendship, loss (which may be death, or might be an ending), and a kind outsider that teaches Bertle how to deal with his loss in a less destructive way.
I received an e-galley from Netgalley and Quarto Publishers, and fully intend to buy a hardcopy.
Although an illustrated children’s book, The Hare-Shaped Hole is a lovely read for adults, too. The illustrations are so cute, and the story is told in catchy rhyme. It features a wonderful friendship, loss (which may be death, or might be an ending), and a kind outsider that teaches Bertle how to deal with his loss in a less destructive way.
I received an e-galley from Netgalley and Quarto Publishers, and fully intend to buy a hardcopy.
January 27, 2024
This is true picture book magic. Beautifully written and illustrated. This gently rhyming story about friendship and loss is moving and relatable. The concept of a friend-shaped hole in one's life is spot on when you have had a loss. I cannot think of a better way to describe the feeling. I appreciate the concept of "filling" that hole with stories, memories, and love. I totally adore this book and am so thrilled that it "jumped out to me" as I walked past it at the library. I will be purchasing a copy for my home collection soon.
September 17, 2023
Que livro bonito 🥺
Um livro marcante que explora o luto e o vazio que sentimos quando um amigo ou alguém que amamos morre e deixa de estar connosco fisicamente, mas continuamos a vê-la em todos os lugares e isso faz apertar o coração e sofrer sem parar.
Mas o luto e a perda não tem de ser significado de esquecimento e os momentos que juntos vivemos ficam para sempre no nosso coração e dão cor ao vazio que ficou no lugar da pessoa que partiu!
Um livro marcante que explora o luto e o vazio que sentimos quando um amigo ou alguém que amamos morre e deixa de estar connosco fisicamente, mas continuamos a vê-la em todos os lugares e isso faz apertar o coração e sofrer sem parar.
Mas o luto e a perda não tem de ser significado de esquecimento e os momentos que juntos vivemos ficam para sempre no nosso coração e dão cor ao vazio que ficou no lugar da pessoa que partiu!
June 25, 2024
This is the PERFECT picture book about grief. In it, Bertle’s friend Hertle is suddenly gone and the hole they leave behind is haunting Bertle. The most simple explanation of grief and how to deal with that hole follows. It was stunning and beautiful and I cried. I have to share it with the rest of you.
November 12, 2023
A tale of friendship and loss. A good book for a child that is mourning a friendship lost or a death.
December 14, 2024
The Hare-Shaped Hole captures loss and grief with such beauty that it doesn’t shy away from the pain, but it also shows how love and memory can help us heal. It’s a simple story, but it speaks volumes about what it means to lose someone (in any way) and understand how to carry those feelings with you.
January 12, 2025
This book DESTROYED me- I was not expecting a randomly chosen library book to leave me choked up and bawling to the point I couldn’t finish and my daughter was asking me what was wrong. 10x harder to read than “I’ll love you forever.” The last page gutted me.
December 7, 2024
What an EXCELLENT accessible book that can be used for any form of grief (death/moving)
childrens-books
January 18, 2024Oh this made me tear up several times. A truly lovely, beautiful drawn and written little children’s book about processing grief and loss.
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads☆
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy.
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads☆
February 29, 2024
Dos livros infantis mais especiais, com uma das mensagens mais bonitas ❤️
September 18, 2024
Smutné, krásne o smrti a spomienkach.
September 4, 2025
I was not emotionally prepared for this one.
November 12, 2023
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.
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.
March 19, 2025
Rewelacja.
December 28, 2024
Толкова красиви думи, толкова силна история. Предупреждавам - накрая ще заплачете. И няма да нищо ново, защото това не е само история за едно зайче, но е и история за всички, които ни липсват, защото не са вече с нас.
January 30, 2024
This book is sad but lovely. Unfortunately, books like this are needed. It teaches children how to deal with a hole left behind when a friend is no longer there. The illustrations are beautiful, the words rhyme with perfect cadence, and the story while sad has an uplifting message of remembrance.
December 20, 2023
didn’t think I could get even more depressed yet here I am
December 20, 2023
Would give to a child who experienced loss. Let them learn disappointment early
January 12, 2024
A poignant story about loss that will touch and help to heal children and adults who are grieving. The illustrations are stunning too.
January 18, 2024
What a great book to read to a child about grief. With the loss of pickles this came in clutch. Highly recommend to anyone that needs this for their child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2024
Beautiful book for children about grief and loss 💓💓
August 18, 2024
I cried.
September 23, 2024
A sensitive book on grief and loss in poetry.
November 26, 2024
I! Bawled! My! Eyes! Out!
June 4, 2025
Lloré, cómo no hacerlo con un libro para niños que te ayuda a lidiar con el duelo
July 20, 2025
Beautifully written and illustrated. A book for anyone grieving or trying to understand loss.
May 18, 2025
Goed boek, aan te raden voor alle leeftijden.
Zitten wel belangrijke levenslessen in en ook gebruik van het woord "haten", die maken het wat volwassener. Voor de rest wel goed geschreven.
Zitten wel belangrijke levenslessen in en ook gebruik van het woord "haten", die maken het wat volwassener. Voor de rest wel goed geschreven.
January 4, 2024
The Hare-Shaped Hole is a book that does a lot of heavy lifting by opening up conversations about loss and remembrance. I appreciate picture books that explore difficult topics in order to create a vocabulary around them—a way to understand and think through. In addition, I appreciate how illustrations can help to explain hard-to-grasp concepts like this one.
This picture book explores what it’s like to love someone and then lose them — and the feeling of the hole they have left in your life.
In this story that moves with gentle rhymes, Hertle the Hare, Bertle the Turtle’s best friend, vanishes. To represent this loss in the illustrations, there is a shadow of a hare — “… the only reminder she’d ever been there was a cold, empty Hertle-shaped hole in the air.”
Bertle finds comfort and guidance in a kind bear who knows a bit about loss and provides a safe space for him to “[cry] and let him feel all he was feeling inside.” The loving bear encourages Berte to think of the memories of their friendship, which, in turn, fills in the dark hare-shaped shadow with a rainbow and stars of bright memories. I think this is a beautiful way to help young readers (and adults, too!), experience the beauty in remembering.
“From the first of the year
till the last of December,
keep them close by your side.
And always:
Remember.”
The illustrations and text work in harmony to create a gentle story about grief — and gosh, I am grateful for it.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting this copy.
This picture book explores what it’s like to love someone and then lose them — and the feeling of the hole they have left in your life.
In this story that moves with gentle rhymes, Hertle the Hare, Bertle the Turtle’s best friend, vanishes. To represent this loss in the illustrations, there is a shadow of a hare — “… the only reminder she’d ever been there was a cold, empty Hertle-shaped hole in the air.”
Bertle finds comfort and guidance in a kind bear who knows a bit about loss and provides a safe space for him to “[cry] and let him feel all he was feeling inside.” The loving bear encourages Berte to think of the memories of their friendship, which, in turn, fills in the dark hare-shaped shadow with a rainbow and stars of bright memories. I think this is a beautiful way to help young readers (and adults, too!), experience the beauty in remembering.
“From the first of the year
till the last of December,
keep them close by your side.
And always:
Remember.”
The illustrations and text work in harmony to create a gentle story about grief — and gosh, I am grateful for it.
Thank you to the publisher for gifting this copy.
January 3, 2024
My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group Frances Lincoln Children's Books for a temporary digital review copy via NetGalley of ‘The Hare-Shaped Hole’ by John Dougherty and illustrated by Thomas Docherty. On publication I purchased my own copy.
This picture book is recommended for children aged 5-9 years old. Its intention is to gently explore themes of grief and loss.
Hertie the hare and Bertie the turtle are best friends and do everything together. Then one day Hertie is gone. All Bertie can see is a Hertie-shaped hole where his friend should be. As a result he goes through various stages of grief, yet the hole remains. Eventually Gerda the kindly bear finds him and explains how he can slowly move forward.
John Dougherty is a children’s author and poet and the text is in the form of a rhyming poem. His words are beautifully accompanied by Thomas Docherty’s illustrations. Each picture was a treat for the eyes.
For many years I have been interested in the stages of grief as outlined by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, ‘On Death and Dying’. So, I was encouraged by the appearance of this book as it seems the perfect way in which to open a conversation with children about this delicate subject, including the loss of a beloved pet.
I also feel that it will provide comfort for adults who are dealing with grief as it taps into deep feelings. I certainly was deeply moved by its poignant and hopeful message. As a result I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
This picture book is recommended for children aged 5-9 years old. Its intention is to gently explore themes of grief and loss.
Hertie the hare and Bertie the turtle are best friends and do everything together. Then one day Hertie is gone. All Bertie can see is a Hertie-shaped hole where his friend should be. As a result he goes through various stages of grief, yet the hole remains. Eventually Gerda the kindly bear finds him and explains how he can slowly move forward.
John Dougherty is a children’s author and poet and the text is in the form of a rhyming poem. His words are beautifully accompanied by Thomas Docherty’s illustrations. Each picture was a treat for the eyes.
For many years I have been interested in the stages of grief as outlined by Dr. Elizabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, ‘On Death and Dying’. So, I was encouraged by the appearance of this book as it seems the perfect way in which to open a conversation with children about this delicate subject, including the loss of a beloved pet.
I also feel that it will provide comfort for adults who are dealing with grief as it taps into deep feelings. I certainly was deeply moved by its poignant and hopeful message. As a result I have no hesitation in recommending it highly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 154 reviews