Meet the Shortlist 2024: The Hare-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty (Frances Lincoln Children's Books)

It’s time for our spotlight on our second shortlisted book!

Next up is the fantastic Hare-Shaped Hole by John Dougherty, illustrated by Thomas Docherty (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books).

This is a moving story about friendship and loss, which found a special place in our judging panels’ hearts. Please read on to find out why!

What is the book about?

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, he even gets 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.

What our Judges said:

'A lovely and important story.'

'While I appreciate that it is a very sad story, it's an important book to have.’

‘This is particularly good in the way that it talks about different reactions to grief. It contains useful themes to be able to show to children, and start conversations about.'

'One of my favourites. It is very difficult to tackle this topic without being saccharine, especially in a space where it can be difficult to be honest. I thought it was really well done.' 

And here’s a treat - a special illustration of the characters for OBP! Thank you so much, Thomas!

Please read on to find out more about the books’ creators, and to read their Q&As (thank you so much John and Thomas for so kindly answering!)

About John Dougherty:

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.

John’s answers:

What is the picture book that have you enjoyed reading with someone else most, and why? Oh, gosh. There’ve been many, but if I have to choose one, it’ll probably have to be the obvious one: The Grufflalo by (of course) Julia Donaldson & Axel Scheffler. Both my children loved it when little; my son, at age three, asked for it so many times he could recite the whole thing by heart - and yet, thanks to the perfect poetry of the text and the sheer fun of the illustrations, I never got tired of it. It’s such a joy to read aloud; in my view, if children’s literature was accorded the respect it deserves in the UK, Julia Donaldson would be universally recognised as the genius she is.

What's your favourite thing about each character in your shortlisted book? Am I allowed to say the illustrations? I love how Thomas has brought out Bertle’s honesty and vulnerability about his feelings, Hertle’s kindness, and the friendship and sense of fun they share, as well as Gerda’s warmth, wisdom and compassion.

Which picture book would you give as a gift to your main character, and why? Michael Rosen’s Sad Book, without a doubt. It would help Bertle - as, I have absolutely no doubt, it’s helped thousands of children - to know that however he’s feeling, that’s okay; and it’s okay to show those feelings, too.

About Thomas Docherty:

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.

 

Thomas’ answers:

What is the picture book that have you enjoyed reading with someone else most, and why?
Like John, I read so many picture books with our two daughters when they were little, it’s almost impossible to choose! One absolute favourite was Leon and Bob by Simon James. It has the most exquisite storytelling and a perfect balance between the artwork and the text. I can’t think of many books where you connect so strongly with the character and no matter how many times you read it, the ending is always a delight. It used to make our girls laugh and smile every time.

What's your favourite thing about each character in your shortlisted book?
I love the unconditional friendship that Bertle and Hertle have. When you really love someone for who they are, any superficial differences become unimportant, which comes across in John’s wonderful text. I tried to put that into the illustrations as well, making Hertle bright and energetic and Bertle more cautious and quiet. I really enjoyed drawing Bertle’s big, red glasses and showing all the emotions he feels as the story develops. 

Which picture book would you give as a gift to your main character, and why?
I would like to give Bertle Mum’s Jumper by Jayde Perkin. It’s a very tender and thoughtful book about coping with loss. I think it would help anyone who is going through a similar experience and I think it would help Bertle too.