I really liked this little book. This might sound strange, but it didn't feel like reading a book, instead, it felt like having a conversation with an old friend. It's comforting and leaves you in a good mood. It was also really easy to read, so anyone can consume this book with no problems. I can also see how it would be a nice gift to someone.

This was a very sweet, easy read with lovely anecdotes and stories by the author. The illustrations were quaint. It was not the kind of inspirational tome you would want to keep to read again, but would make a lovely gift. Thanks to @NetGalley for the ARC.

This is one of those books that appears as though anyone could write. Luckily for the reader, there are cute stories scattered throughout and a nice easy flow that the author uses to introduce the things she finds most looked forward to in life. I agree with many of them, but could definitely add some of my own. I particularly enjoyed that the author, Sophie Blackall, invited the reader to create their own lists. Hopefully people will do so, thereby realizing how many amazing things there are in life to look forward to.

A self-help book of ideas to look forward to during the pandemic (or perhaps other sad times). This is a cute idea for a book, but there's nothing particularly novel in the list of things or the way they're presented. It could be a very long listicle. A workbook might be a more engaging format. However, the illustrations are remarkable, and they elevate the text from listicle to very enjoyable coffee table book. The text is almost incidental to the illustrations, upstaged by the emotions wrought by the colors and textures. I could have enjoyed this with less text, maybe a couple of lines to each item on the list, and an illustration. But it's soothing just to study the artwork and meditate on the suggestions.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of Things to Look Forward To.

I really enjoyed this optimistic book on looking at the bright side of life; how we take the little things for granted, like taking a walk in nature or enjoying a summer rain, especially after enduring a pandemic that continues to rage on.

The illustrations were great and a wonderful addition to the thoughtful notes and recollections; I especially appreciated how the author recounted personal anecdotes and how she took meaning and joys from hardships she endured and how everything worked out in the end.

The biggest takeaway for me was how we all need to take perspective and view the world and our life in a new way.

Just what we all need right now, a little joy and happiness in our lives. Perfect timing. Wonderful illustrations. Great for anyone in need of a pick me up or reminder of the little wonderful things in life to be happy about. Thanks NetGalley for the opportunity to review an advanced copy!

Thank you for the EARC. Thing to look forward to reminds you to stop and smell the roses. Re,mods us to appreciate the little things in life we take for granted. The illustrations were beautiful and the content was enjoyable. Great reminders for every day. Very quick read.

Pros: I wanted to read this book based on the title alone. I am reading this while still living through a pandemic, and it seems that the most difficult part of the pandemic is we do not know when it will end and therefore we have nothing to look forward to. From reading the introduction, I quickly learned that the author was writing from that same perspective. I love that this book helps my bad attitude and reminds me that even during a difficult time, there is still hope for good things to happen. The focus on finding joy is wonderful because it reminds me that although we might not always be happy, we can find moments of joy in our day to day lives. I also appreciated that this book gave me practical to-do items--having purpose/a distraction is often the first step for me. One more thing to note--I thought the illustrations in this book were lovely.

Cons: None that I can think of!

Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read this book.

What a beautiful, artistic, and hopeful little book! I loved this one. It gave me a bit of hope for things to come in a world that is often bleak.