Little Bear and the Big Hole is a quiet and tender story about grief, healing, and connection. It follows Little Bear, who is grappling with the loss of his Papa Bear. He sees the absence as a literal hole—vast, lonely, and invisible to others. That is, until Squirrel shows up. Through shared sorrow, gentle words, and quiet presence, Squirrel helps Little Bear process his pain. Together, they slowly fill the emptiness with memories, music, drawings, and love, watching as the hole gradually transforms into something new and alive—a growing tree that carries both memory and hope.

What really got me was how this children’s book doesn’t try to fix grief or explain it away. It just sits with it. The writing is sparse but deep, almost like a poem. Every word feels picked with care. That kind of restraint makes the emotions hit harder. I actually got choked up when Little Bear screams, “I just want my Papa Bear back!” It’s raw and real and relatable. I also love how Squirrel never tries to cheer him up or make it better—she just shows up, and that’s everything. That message, especially for kids, is gold.

Visually, this book is a dream. Mirjam Siim’s illustrations are soft and warm with just the right touch of whimsy. The way the hole slowly changes in the pictures mirrors the emotional shift so beautifully, you almost don’t notice at first. It sneaks up on you, like healing often does. I wish more picture books handled hard feelings like this—with this much heart and honesty. It doesn’t feel preachy or pushy. It just breathes.

If you’re looking for a children’s book to help a child (or even yourself) make sense of loss, this is the one. Little Bear and the Big Hole would be perfect for families navigating grief, for therapists, or even just anyone who wants a beautiful story with real emotional weight. It’s gentle, but it’s not light. And I’d hand it to anyone who needs to remember that while grief is big and heavy, it’s not something you have to carry alone.

Pages: 32 | ISBN : 1760362328