Is It Asleep?

by Olivier Tallec

Squirrel and his best friend, Pock the mushroom, sit on the old stump, watching birds fly by. When they’re tired of this, they take the path to the yellow meadow to listen to the blackbird sing. But today, the bird’s not there. The friends look everywhere. Finally they find it on the path, all stretched out and quite still. It must be sleeping. They sit down quietly and wait for the bird to wake.

This true-to-child story of a natural encounter with an animal that has died is both dryly humorous and a profound example of how to manage the comings and goings of life.

Genres: Picture Books, Death, Animals, Grief, Birds, Childrens, Anthropomorphic

32 pages, Hardcover

First published September 18, 2024

About the author

Olivier Tallec was born in Brittany, France, in 1970.

Tallec graduated from the École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Duperré in Paris and worked in advertising as a graphic designer before devoting himself to illustration. His work has appeared in many newspapers and magazines, and he has illustrated more than sixty books for children. Olivier Tallec lives in Paris.

Reviews

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Oliver Tallec has penned a sweet, touching picture book about three forest friends dealing with death. Adults will love this book as much as their children.

In the interest of complete disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group and Gecko Press™ in exchange for an honest review

[Bookaholic__Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Is it asleep" is a beautifully illustrated tale that touches very gently on the topic of death. Without context, this could be little morbid, sure, but death is something that touches as all at some point. This is an easy way to introduce it to small minds without being overwhelming or upsetting.

I don't think I would recommend this as a must add to the bookshelf kind of thing, but if your littles have lost someone or have someone in their lives who they may loose, I think the book could be used as a tool to prepare them or ease the pain.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Pauline]

Trop triste mais trop mignon

[Tim Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A picture book about death. Who wants that?

[Les Jardins d'Hélène · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pas toujours facile de parler de la mort à un enfant… Olivier Tallec y parvient avec beaucoup de délicatesse, tout en simplicité. Son fidèle écureuil (bien connu des lecteurs !) et son ami Poc (le champignon) aiment s’asseoir un moment dans la forêt pour regarder les oiseaux voler. Ils aiment bien écouter le merle chanter. « Mais, aujourd’hui, il n’est pas là. » Ils vont le trouver un peu plus loin, allongé, tranquille. Est-ce qu’il dort ? Est-ce qu’il est mort ? L’idée va faire son chemin dans leur tête et c’est naturellement qu’ils vont faire ce que l’on fait dans ces cas-là.
Un très bel album aux teintes automnales pour parler de la mort, du deuil, des funérailles, du souvenir, de l’amitié, et de la vie !
Une lecture adaptée aux 3-6 ans.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story delicately explores the theme of processing an unexpected death. The way the three characters choose to honor their friend after their passing is both touching and meaningful, highlighting the various ways people remember loved ones. The book also introduces several tools that could help children navigate the complex emotions surrounding loss.

I was particularly captivated by the illustrations, which were visually striking and complemented the narrative beautifully. The author’s decision to set the story during autumn seemed intentional, as the season naturally symbolizes the end of life. This setting opens a thoughtful avenue for reflecting on the concept of death.

Overall, while the discovery of the deceased blackbird and the children’s initial reactions may feel more authentic to a younger audience, their eventual coping mechanisms are portrayed with a maturity that could resonate with readers of various ages. This book could be shared with children as a gentle introduction to the topic of death, with the potential for deeper conversations led by parents, educators, or caregivers.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michael Doane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is It Asleep? is a rare picture book that trusts children with emotional truth.

Olivier Tallec captures a moment many children encounter early in life — discovering death without the language to name it — and does so with remarkable restraint. Squirrel and Pock’s patient waiting, their certainty that stillness must mean sleep, feels deeply authentic to a child’s logic. There is no explanation forced onto the moment, no adult intervention to tidy up discomfort.

The humor is subtle and dry, arising naturally from the characters’ earnest misunderstanding rather than from deflection. This tonal balance allows the book to remain gentle without becoming evasive. Death is present, unmistakable, but never sensationalized.

The illustrations reinforce this emotional clarity. Space, stillness, and silence do much of the work, inviting young readers to sit with uncertainty rather than rush past it. The result is a book that opens space for conversation or simply quiet reflection depending on what a child is ready for.

Is It Asleep? stands out as a profound and compassionate example of how picture books can address grief honestly, without fear or condescension. It’s a book that respects children’s emotional intelligence and gives adults a model for doing the same.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all, please do understand that I greatly appreciate books that teach little ones about death. It's an unavoidable thing and kids deserve to know about it rather than being sheltered from it.
Still, that being said, I was a bit confused as to what this book is specifically trying to accomplish. The main point of confusion for me was the ending. It felt like the book ended so abruptly, and I personally did not understand what the author was getting at by writing the final lines of the book. I *think* it's meant to show that, even after death, life carries on, but that message wasn't exactly clear. However, that is the only thing that I disliked about this book.
Everything else was great! Nothing is too dark or depressing, which allows this book to perfectly fit its target audience. The author covered various points around death in a simple yet effective way, and it was honestly heartwarming to see the main characters cope with the blackbird's death. Lastly, the illustrations being done with a soft, natural, watercolor finish worked perfectly for the book's overall mood, and were very pretty.

[haidyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Is It Asleep? is a gentle, approachable story on dealing with grief and death.

When three forest friends discover the singing blackbird is missing, they begin a search between the trees and along the river, until they spot it lying on the pathway. Convinced it must be sleeping, they wait for it to wake up and begin singing again. But after a while, they realize the blackbird must be dead. Uncertain, they do their best to care for the fallen creature: covering it with the prettiest leaves, reciting poems, and walking together, talking and thinking about the blackbird.

This story is sweet and simple. A good introduction to death and grief for children, with plenty of room for discussion. Accepting, understanding, and overcoming grief are all essential pieces of this book, making it an easier subject to explain and understand. The illustrations are cute and complement the story and pacing well.

Thank you Netgalley and author, Olivier Tallec, for an ARC of this book!

[Megan · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a mother of two, I found Is It Asleep to be an odd read. The author, Oliver Tallec, tells the story of two friends, a squirrel and a mushroom, who spend their days listening to the other animals throughout wilderness. One day, they realize Blackbird is missing from the field and eventually find him lying on the ground, unsure if he's asleep or dead. Although the theme of the story isn't one I would typically choose for a children's book, the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. My kids especially enjoyed the talking mushroom. As a parent, I'm open to addressing the topic of death in an age-appropriate way, but I didn't feel the overall message of the book was clear. Because of that, I wouldn't recommend it to other families.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group, and Gecko Press for this eARC!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Lerner Publishing Group | Gecko Press ™ through NetGalley.
Tenderly written story about death.
Two friends enjoy spending time together and listening to the birds. They especially love to hear the blackbird tweet and watch it fly. One day they don't hear it but as they explore, they find it lying in the path. I appreciate how Tallec addresses this in a manner younger readers will understand. They think it is sleeping but can't wake it. It's only then they realize it is dead and think about what to do to honor this bird. The mood is sad but not dark. They acknowledge the death and figure out how to bury it and remember it. The illustrations are softly focused with an emphasis on the characters themselves. A helpful book for families dealing with death either human or pet.

[Brynn Sowder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every day you get a mushroom for a main character 😂 I don’t think kiddos are reading Goodreads reviews butttt spoilers ahead. I loved their excitement to find the blackbird, instead they find the blackbird belly up. This will surely raise a lot of questions but I think a very subtle and kind way to discuss death with children. The natural world is full of death and I’d venture to guess most kids who spend time outdoors will encounter a dead animal. I loved how the characters respected the fallen blackbird and remembered him. The ending felt a little abrupt if I’m being totally honest. I loved the illustrations!

Thanks to NetGalley, Lerner Publishing Group and Gecko Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Emilia · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I saw that "Is It Asleep" was a child's book about sort of unexpectedly dealing with a death...I was not expecting the approach that this book took. I don't think it was necessarily bad, I just don't think it translates very well for a child to understand what death me and what are some ways to respond to that. I also found the block text of this story to feel a bit separated from the actual illustrations. I think if you are aware of an upcoming death and has a child who sees things in very black and white, that this may be helpful to explain some sort of next steps - otherwise I don't think it's a must have.

I received a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.

[Ollie Skyba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, I’m totally in love with this author! Most of his books are filled with humor and adorable illustrations, and even though this one explores deep questions about death and the cycle of life, it still manages to feel gentle, heartwarming, and even cute.

Kids will eventually face the concept of loss, and this book offers a tender way to approach it��how we remember those we love after they’re gone, or maybe, in a way, they live on as long as we hold them in our hearts.

And I absolutely love this line: “Anything that sings so well and has such beautiful feathers can’t die.”

Many thanks to NetGalley for ARC.

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am all about having picture books to help kids deal with grief, teach them about death and the cycle of life. But this one was just too out there for me. I felt like it was pretty harsh and straightforward and didn't give alot of context to what death was, or how we can deal with it's aftermath. Maybe I just like more touchy feely books around grief/death. I also wasn't sure what the lesson was...it was vague in it's message about what we can do after death. They had a burial and named something after the bird, but then implied it quickly got better when a new bird was singing the next day. Anyway not the death picture book for me.

[Darya · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful picturebook, a translation of a French edition. It features a squirrel and a mushroom who are looking for their friend blackbird in the forest and when they find it, it lays very still, seemingly asleep. Raises the question of how we feel about death when we encounter it closely for the first time, previously only knowing theoretically about it and about what people do to grief and commemorate the ones they lost.

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free eARC through NetGalley. Publication date August 5, 2025.

[Graham · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a favorite. Nothing over-the-top morbid about it, and could open conversations with children about dead animals in the wild, but it’s not one I would ever reach for when discussing death of a loved one or pet.

It’s a story about two woodland friends going on their daily walk to see/listen to a bird but instead finding it on the ground. They then wonder through different observations if it is dead or not, and what to do with it.

Thank you to NG and Lerner Publishing Group for the advanced copy.

[mamma.needsabook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book tells the story of Squirrel and his best friend, Pock the mushroom, who find a bird lying still on a path. Squirrel is super curious and thinks the bird might be just sleeping, so they wait and see what happens. The pictures are bright and colorful, and the story is easy to understand. It talks about big feelings, like being sad, in a way kids can learn from. It's a sweet and gentle book that can open the doors for conversations on life and when something or someone dies .

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC Read!

[Shahana Kothari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t expect such a bright and colorful book to explore the topic of death—and that’s exactly what makes it so powerful. The contrast between the vibrant illustrations and the tender subject matter creates something truly special. Death is unpredictable and often hard to talk about, but this book presents it with such grace, honesty, and sensitivity that children can understand and process it gently. It’s a beautiful, important read that opens the door to meaningful conversations.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fox and a mushroom friend go on a walk in the meadow. They want to see the blackbird sing but when they find the blackbird, it’s no longer moving. Eventually, they believe the blackbird is dead and wonder what they should do. This is an odd book. In a way it’s a lesson in death, but it’s such an odd lesson. I see this being confusing for kids. It’s not one for after somebody dies. It’s more of preparing for it. It’s an odd little book. It works in its way, but it’s not what I could see recommending frequently.

[Anna (annareadit) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about an ordinary day for a squirrel and its mushroom friend as they go about their daily routine. But when it’s time to listen to the song of their favorite bird, they find it is not in its usual spot.

The book features bright illustrations that beautifully convey the characters' emotions. The story contains only a small amount of text but does an excellent job of addressing the themes of death and burial rituals.

Thank you to Gecko Press and NetGalley for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[nika.ex.libris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are just so simple, cute, and sometimes funny to me, which made reading super easy.

It's a good book for kids to show them the topic of death.

The characters were nice; I didn't even realize there was a mushroom on the cover until I read the annotation!

There's a little bit of text, which helps the kid learn how to read too.

Thank you to NetGalley and Gecko Press for providing me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Annie Brechbuhler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is It Asleep? is a reflection on death as told from the point of view of animals. They have enjoyed listening to a blackbird sing, and come across it dead upon the path. They protect the dead bird with leaves and have a little memorial. The story felt a bit awkward, as it was almost slightly funny, but not truly meant to be. I finished reading it for myself, but did not think it was appropriate for my daughter. It is not a book that I would share in my classroom.

[whatbooknext · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two friends sit on a stump enjoying nature around them.

With a particular love of birds, they walk through a forest listening for their favourite.

To their confusion, they cannot hear the blackbird’s song. When they do find it, it’s lying still on a path. Soon, with help from other forest creatures, they realise the truth. The blackbird has died.


This gentle hardback picture book explores the difficult subject of death and loss, and eventually a funeral on the grieving friend’s terms. The friends are in fact a mushroom and a squirrel, offering wee listeners humour as the story begins.

Finishing with a positive note (another bird begins to sing), Is it Asleep? is a comforting way to approach this difficult subject at a child’s level.

Curiosity, sadness and a goodbye are all part of the narrative, illustrated in the natural tones of the surrounding forest.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this. The characters and the illustrations but the story itself is so beautiful. Trying to decide what blackbird was doing laying on the ground not moving. Then realising he was dead and they covered him with beautiful (dead) leaves and put a pine cone on top. Naming the meadow after blackbird was really sweet. We remember the ones we have lost (in our own way) and also move forward with our lives. We stop and visit blackbird meadow.

[Sourimak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Un sujet plus délicat pour cette nouvelle aventure du petit écureuil. Une bonne occasion de parler de la mort, des rituels funéraires, du deuil et de la vie qui continue malgré tout. Bravo (mais pour la couverture dommage car nous sommes nombreux à avoir vu un nez de dragon et non pas une tête d'oiseau... et nous attendions donc une aventure chevaleresque...!)

[chelsea reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

is it asleep is such a lovely story that explores death and grieving in a really delicate way. the way the characters honor their dead friend is really neat and wholesome. this book offers a fantastic way to discuss death and how to handle it with children.


the art style is really beautiful, the colors gorgeous.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

We recently lost our puppy, and this book would have been a gentle way to explain loss to the little ones. It follows Squirrel and Pock the mushroom as they notice the blackbird isn’t singing - a subtle nod to life’s cycles. Dryly humorous yet tender, it’s a light, honest read for kids dealing with grief.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a sweet story on a sensitive subject.
Three friends who live in the forest learn that their friend has died and they must decide how to honor him.
It is heartwarming and well done for youngsters who all must face this loss at some time.
Thank You to @Netgalley and to @Gecko Press for this beautiful ARC and allowing me to provide my own review.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book did a great job at showing death in a lighter way for kids to start understanding. It made me so sad thinking about having to introduce the concept to a child but I will have to some day with my kiddo and a book like this would be great for it.
I will also share I liked the art style and choices of colors as well as a choice of a squirrel and mushroom as a main character.