Book Review: Do Fish Sleep? by Jens Raschke

Do fish sleep? After realizing that her father does not know the answer to this question, Jette realizes that simple questions do not always have simple answers. As she struggles to come to terms with the tragic event that has impacted her family, Jette begins to find those answers on her own.

This book is a beautiful representation of how a young girl comes to terms with the death of her younger brother. Jette is naturally curious and yet reserved at the same time. She doubts her place in the family as she feels put to the side so that her brother Emil can be taken care of. The chapter numbers count down from ten giving a sense of a countdown to tragedy but also to growth and acceptance. The story is told through glimpses of memory as well as the present day. Jette is observant is how those around her view death such as when the teacher brings it up in class, and her classmates share the experiences that they have had with death that Jette feels are nothing like her own. The illustrations are simple but powerful with a color scheme that is both soothing and sorrowful. While this book was originally written by a German author there is a lack of indication as to where the story takes place, but in a way that is the point. Death connects all of us and in many cultures, we look at loss and grief in similar ways.

Book Information:

Raschke, J. (2019). DO FISH SLEEP?. Illustrated by Jens Rassmus. New York: Enchanted Lion Books. ISBN 9781592702855