THE CARING BEAR

At HPC, we understand that grief touches all ages—including the youngest among us. That’s why we’ve developed The Caring Bears, a thoughtful series of children’s books designed for ages 4 to 9. These stories gently mirror real-life experiences of loss, whether it’s the death of a grandparent, parent, or sibling.


But these aren't just storybooks—they're tools. Each one provides a foundation for honest, age-appropriate conversations around grief, and offers guidance on fostering healthy emotional expression in the face of loss.

THE CARING BEARS BILLY’S STORY

Thanks to the generous support of the Impact 100 Next Generation grant, we’re proud to introduce the first book in the series: The Caring Bears: Billy’s Story.


Written by HPC Bereavement Coordinator Caleb Potter and illustrated by local artist Stephanie Sauerheber, Billy’s Story sets the tone for what this series is all about—compassion, understanding, and healing.


We hope this story—and those that follow—will become a source of comfort not only for the families we serve but for any child navigating the loss of a loved one.

JENNY BEAR: A JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALTHY GRIEVING


The next book in the Caring Bears series follows Jenny Bear as she faces one of life’s hardest realities: her beloved Daddy Bear has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.



Life was nearly perfect—until it wasn’t. Despite hope and medical treatments, Daddy Bear’s condition worsens. With gentle support from Mommy Bear and Daddy Bear, Jenny learns how to cope with the changing reality. Together, they create lasting memories, share precious time, and prepare for the road ahead. When the time comes, Jenny’s grief, though deep, is softened by the love and preparation she received.


Grief is hard—especially for children. It stirs up emotions and questions that can feel overwhelming even for adults. Jenny Bear serves as a practical resource to help caregivers support children through the grieving process with honesty, warmth, and care.

Learn more about our other grief counseling services by visiting our Bereavement Services page.