Cover Image: Things to Look Forward To

Things to Look Forward To

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Member Reviews

This is a great resource that can be used to help encourage us to look for meaning and joy in everyday moments- big and small. It might not be revolutionary but I have found it to be a valuable lesson that is needed for many coming out of the pandemic.

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Everyone needs a reminder from time to time, that everything will work out alright. Things to Look Forward To by Sophie Blackall is just the book to do that. With a title like that, you can't help but feel a little bit of elation.

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Unfortunately, I had a hard time with the formatting of my ARC - some of the illustrations were distorted. But even so, I'm looking forward to having this title as a go-to for gift-giving. As a long time fan of Blackall's work, this was such a welcome perspective of slowing down and savoring the small things. There is always something to look forward to.

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This is a very charming little book that's a mix of art, personal anecdotes, and hope. I think it's great for people who've been struggling during this tumultuous time.

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Cute for what it was. I enjoyed the illustrations and the writing. Would make a good coffee table books. There were some sections that I thought came off a little strange, but overall I liked this book.

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Sophie Blackall's Things to Look Forward To is a meditation on the beauty and joy of small pleasures. This is a grown-up picture book with illustrations that are both nostalgic and surprising. Blackall includes a short paragraph or two about each "thing," often explaining its significance to her own life. In this way, she provides us with a pseudo-memoir, but one that the reader can find themselves in. Whether it's a rainbow or a fresh pot of coffee, Sophie Blackall reminds us that there's always something to look forward to.

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Sometimes you just need a reminder to open your eyes & appreciate the joy that surrounds you. This beautifully illustrated book is a small jewel to be treasured as you rediscover things to look forward to throughout the year. Thanks NetGalley & Chronicle Books for the ARC.

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This is a very light, sweet pick-me-up that might be a very thoughtful gift for someone going through a tough time. The author acknowledges her own setbacks and shares the simple but effective coping mechanism of finding small pleasures and things to anticipate for happiness. She explores 50+ examples, accompanied by sweet illustrations. Most of the things are wonderfully, accessibly mundane and encourage the reader to find joy in even the tiniest and most unlikely places. It's hard to read this and not find opportunities to smile!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

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Combining gently rendered illustrations with poignant and witty narratives, Sophie Blackall’s Things to Look Forward To: 52 Large and Small Joys offers a delicious slice of life to taste all at once or savor one bite at a time.

While not ignoring the pandemic, or that some readers may not be ready for her message (or whimsical art) now, Blackall shares the “why” of her moving forward and what brings her joy (or a good laugh), throughout the year.

Seems about right for graduation, teacher gifts, or birthdays, too!

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for my advance e-reader copy.

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A delightful little book, with short passages on 52 things the author looks forward to and illustrations to accompany them. The book is friendly and hopeful and feels almost conversational. I really enjoyed this. It would be a nice gift for someone who could use some encouragement.

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Thanks to Netgalley and Chronicle Books for the ARC of this!

This was relaxing and a joy to read. I could see someone choosing to consume it more slowly, taking one of the 52 things and focusing on finding it in their week. I read it in one sitting and loved the full page illustrations and everyday things to look forward to that we might not consider.

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Such a sweet little book. Each item is easily digestible and the artwork is beautiful and calming. This book would serve as a nice, gentle reminder for anyone going through some challenging things that there will be and that there are things to look forward to. Small as they may be, knowing that there are little things to look forward to can make such a difference in a time of need or crisis.

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Things to Look Forward To by Sophie Blackall Engaging artwork, a quick and easy read with an inspiring message. Special book on looking at the bright side of life which I am looking forward to reading in hardback format. (Kindle doesn't do the illustrations justice)

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to preview the book.

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#NetGalley #ThingsToLookForwardTo

"Things to Look Forward To" is the perfect title and subject at this time in our world. It's charming pictures and simple text reminds us that there are always pleasures left to experience, and that even the most simple things can bring us joy. I would display this book as a positive reminder for myself, and for guests to thumb through for encouragement when visiting. Thanks to NetGalley for this early copy to read!

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I really liked this cover. I thought it interesting with its smooth stones and the title of this book was just what I needed. I need some joy in my life. How about you? Before I start this review I just want to say that the illustrations were beautiful. Each one meant something special and I recalled found memories. Yes, I’m a sap. And this book made me grateful. I read each page carefully, not wanting to miss a thing. If I could sum this up in a few words it would be, thoughtful and beautiful.
Some of my favorite’s of the 52:
• Coffee
• Hugs
• First snow
• Visiting a museum
• Falling in Love
• Working u a sweat
• A nap
• Coming home
I would highly recommend this book. I’m going to send one to my friend.
Thanks Chronicle Books via NetGalley.
I’ll be leaving my review on Bookstagram, FB, BB, Amazon, Goodreads and B&N.

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This book is just what you'd expect from the title: a list of some of the simple things in life. It's designed as a reminder to count your blessings. This is a quick read. The author shares her own items and encourages the reader to create their own list. Nothing overly original about the book, but it does provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and be thankful.

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A truly lovely book a reminder to slow down enjoy your life routines special moments.The illustrations are lovely.I will be getting this book for myself to enjoy ang gifting…#netgalley #chroniclebooks,

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This is a book to savor for those who need help to focus on the quotidian joys of every day life. 52 such joys are included in this peacefully illustrated title. I began to relate immediately with thing to enjoy #2 which was morning coffee. I spent a few minutes thinking about the loveliness of a morning when my spouse brings me coffee and I read from a novel before taking on the heavier lifting of the day. Hugs also sounded good as did patting a friendly dog and reading bits of a favorite book. If you need a reminder to try to find a moment of happiness even in these dark days, pick this one up.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

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This is a beautiful book, well worth it just to browse the illustrations. I was inspired to make my own list of ‘Things to Look Forward To’.

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Things to Look Forward To is a sweet and simple book that does exactly what it says in the title. Featuring cute drawings and fun short passages, the book lists 52 small every day things that are worth getting excited about. Everything from traveling somewhere new, to a cup of coffee in the morning. I found myself smiling throughout and genuinely getting excited about experiencing these things in the future.
My only downside is this book was clearly written during the pandemic, more than likely in the depths of lockdown. It dampened my enjoyment of the book just a smidge by reminding me of how different life has become in the past two years. It served it's purpose for passages like, hugging a friend, where we are reminded how important that seemingly small act is. But the twinge in my heart is still sore from the pandemic.

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