Tallec, Olivier. Is It Asleep? Olivier Tallec, Illus. Translated from the French by Lerner Publishing Group. Lerner/Gecko, 08/2025. [32]pp. Picture Book. Trade $18.99. 979-8765670521. GRADES Preschool–Kindergarten. ADDITIONAL.
Pock and I (a mushroom and a squirrel) look for the blackbird who sings every morning, only to find it lying on the forest floor. After many attempts to see if the blackbird is simply resting, they decide it must have died and give it a simple funeral. Somber gouache, acrylic, and pencil illustrations depict the careful thoughts of the two friends as they decide how to proceed. A bit different from other books on death, focusing more on the what and the why, making it a useful addition for collections helping those experiencing loss.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library