the bear-shaped hole

 
      熊熊格妲（Gerda）和歐羅（Orlo）是好朋友，只要見到格妲就會看到歐羅，他們總是形影不離一起玩遊戲、聽故事，大聲唱歌，講笑話，當格妲想要聊天、需要幫忙、或打算去散個步，歐羅總是在那裡。只要有歐羅在，格妲就覺得很有安全感，
     
      然而，快樂的日子卻漸漸發生改變，歐羅變得難過，也變得沒那麼強壯。當格妲問起，歐羅沉默了一陣子，然後跟格妲說他生病了，很嚴重的病……聽到這消息，讓格妲的心好慌！歐羅依舊是最體貼的夥伴，他陪著格妲做好心理準備，一起珍惜他們所剩不多的時光，創造出更多美好的回憶。這些美麗的記憶將代替他，繼續陪伴他的好友，用以填補自己消失後，遺留下的空洞……
 
　　曾閱讀系列作The Hare-Shaped Hole的讀者也將驚喜發現，充滿智慧的大熊格妲不只再次登場，更成為主角。面臨生命中重要的失去，沒有人一開始就知道該如何面對，然而透過陪伴、理解並釋放思念，情緒可以被轉化為支持我們前行的力量。這本書帶我們回顧大熊格妲的故事，了解她曾經歷的傷心時刻，也看見她將過往，轉化為幫助別人的暖心擁抱。

Discover a heartwarming story that will help children understand and prepare for a loss.

　　Gerda and Orlo are bear best friends. When Gerda was there, Orlo always had time. For a game or a story, a joke or a rhyme. He was never too busy to listen, to talk. To help, or to share, or to go for a walk.

　　But slowly – at first – something starts to change and Orlo reveals he is sick and not going to get better. Gerda is filled with emotions that she cannot explain but Orlo is there to help her prepare and they spend their time together making memories that will last a lifetime. So, when the time comes, Gerda can fill up the Bear-Shaped hole in her life with the special memories she created with Orlo.

　　Another powerful and moving picture book from John Dougherty and Thomas Docherty, award-winning creators of the acclaimed The Hare-Shaped Hole, that sensitively explores the preparation before loss as well as the loss itself.

　　This poignant story is perfect for talking to children about the varying types of loss, from moving schools and losing a cherished toy, to the death of a beloved pet or family member.

Review
　　“This “delicate and sensitive” companion title to Dougherty and Swansea-based illustrator Docherty’s The Hare-Shaped Hole focuses on preparation for loss, as well as loss itself, with gentle artwork to help reassure and support young children.”

　　― The Bookseller

John Dougherty was born in Larne, Northern Ireland, and not many years later they made him go to school – an experience he didn't find entirely enjoyable. Fortunately, the joys of reading helped him through the difficult times. It's therefore not completely surprising that when he grew up he became first a teacher (the nice sort), and then a writer of stories and poetry for children. He also writes songs, some of which he performs with First Draft, a band made up of three children's authors and a bookseller. He now lives in England with his two children.

Thomas Docherty is an author and illustrator of children's books, who is based in Swansea. His first picture book, The Little Boat was shortlisted for the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal, and he has also worked on several books with his wife Helen Docherty, including The Snatchabook, The Knight Who Wouldn't Fight and Pirate Nell's Tale To Tell. His books have been sold around the world and have been translated into more than 25 languages.