Things to Look Forward To

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Oh how I wish everyone would feel & embrace the beauty in the simplicity of this book the same as the five twinkling & glittering stars 💫💫💫💫💫 I’m giving to it and to the author.

While I read “Things To Look Forward To”, I cried hard with the memories floating in my heart and I smiled bright with the sliver of hope that’s left inside me. That sliver of hope and the smiles were because of this book and the thought of doing these things. When you lose your kids, you lose your entire identity so I forced myself to become numb to everything, yet this little book got inside. That’s a wonderful thing.

so!’ for all the readers who are gifted with youth, not just in number, but in heart………read this treasure of a book. Try to do every “Things To Look Forward To” because they really are very sweet, joy filled and precious things.

Read this book and get out there or stay in the cozy of your home and do them with a joy which will uplift you and have you feelings of self and togetherness. Take the “not yet finished” to finished and accomplished, which this author speaks of. Do them with your kids, a spouse, a parent or by yourself for yourself. Find in these little treasures, any lack of hope turned into motivation and finding a you who will shine inside, as much as you’ll shine outwardly.

These messages are far deeper than just sweet words. They are your guide……or as the author tells us…….your “map” (I hope you’ll love that one, when you get to it, as much as I did reading it), let her words be your “map” to be-ing on your road, your journey of finding joy in the simplicity. To being at peace in a world of chaos, which is the very essence of what this book is teaching or for others, re-teaching us to remember. The “little things” because they are really the biggest things.

Follow uplifting messages, this author writes of with an innocence, too long lost in our world and hearts. Follow another of my favorites in this book, that lost innocence can be found inside this entire book so as the author says “spread the seeds” and I know from experience, in my hopeful years that those seeds spread, literally and figuratively, will plant that sweetness of life which is what we all need.

“Little Things To Look Forward To” are waiting so go……..get doing, lol.

While I may have lost the heart to have these little things change such irreparable damage, I know if this little book can touch my heart and make me smile with the thoughts to actually do these despite my suffering, than we can all do them and this world………this world needs these things more than ever before.

Thank you very much to @Netgalley the publisher @ChronicleBooks and to the author @SophieBlackall for the gift of being able to read this adorable and sweet book for my honest thoughts which these all have been. Frighteningly open and honest. This book is a treasure and I know Chronicle Books always has the books we treasure. I’m glad I got to read it.

Pre-order now: Projected release date is April 19, 2022

Hardcover:
https://www.amazon.com/Things-Look-Fo...

Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B09PZP...

This book felt like it was mostly a collection of random thoughts, however, some were really profound. It’s always a good sign when I am moved enough to highlight passages and that’s exactly what I did with this book. I always struggle with feeling like I have nothing to look forward to and this book was really what I needed to read right now.

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 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.

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 a sweet little book with lovely illustrations. I remember actually googling this sort of thing in 2020 while our family was going through a number of really hard things like deaths of loved ones, severe illness and loneliness. Sometimes you just want to think of small things that can make the world seem a little brighter when the dark seems so overwhelming.

Blackall's illustrations are really nice and she has some nice thoughts. Some of her list would make my lists, though some of them were pretty big misses. It's going to be hard to come up with a list that's going to check most boxes for most people, but it's a sweet book to flip through or to give a friend who could use a lift.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book via Net Galley.

This book is, as the title suggests, a list of simple pleasures and things to look forward to. Written during pandemic lockdown, it's a nice reminder to count your blessings. Could make a nice gift. Some of the items are very surface level, and some are more in depth.

Thank you to NetGalley fort this advance reader copy.

I am so happy to have stumbled upon this book! While I was familiar with the author's children's books, I did not really know what to expect from this book, and was delightfully surprised. This book arrived at a perfect time for me - on a gray, February day two years into a pandemic. I expected a trite list of "happy things." What I got instead is a richly descriptive, thoughtful exploration of how to appreciate life and stay grateful, even in hard times. The book contains beautiful artwork which I am sure will look stunning in the actual physical book. I so enjoyed this author's warmth and humor. I would love to see her write more for adults in the future.

For a long time I stopped reading picture books. Comics and graphic novels, I read. Art books, yes. But, books that are sparse and whose illustrations hold as much space and meaning as the text? No. That has changed and I'm so happy now when I encounter a book whose content is sophisticated while sparse and whose illustrations are rich and pleasing. All this is true of Things to Look Forward To, a sweet, comforting book to have on hand when reminders are needed. Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for access to the ARC.

I'm so glad that I found this book. This was a quick and lovely read with beautiful illustrations. I loved the idea of looking forward to everyday things and moments. It was the perfect pick-me-up for me because I read it on a gloomy day. I think it would be a nice gift.

An charming and cozy book that brings to mind the word 'hygge,' Things to Look Forward To reminds us that everyday simple pleasures are not to be taken for granted. Writing from the time and place of a global pandemic and speaking to the uncertainty we still face, Blackall offers comfort in the savoring of small moments that can hold great joy - if only we are present, purposeful, and engaged. I appreciate that this collection goes deeper than many of the 'find your bliss' listicle-turned-book works out there, but Blackall does fall prey to a few clichés (babies, weddings) that may bring more pain than happy anticipation to those navigating grief or processing loss. This isn't your typical "don't worry , be happy" fare, however, and some of the illustrations telegraph more sadness than I'd have liked (the woman in the shower comes to mind). Overall, a lovely book with resonant depth and important message that would make a nice gift.

I received a digital pre-publication copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A very sweetly illustated book of positivity, stories, and anecdotes about the author's life. I really liked the illustrations, even more so than the text. I liked that some of the items in the list led from one to the next. It's not something I would re-read, but for something to pick up occasionally and skim through or give as a gift, it's a nice little book.

Things to Look Forward To is a delightful mix of beautiful images and thoughtfully written moments. You'll learn to see magic in the mundane again after leafing through these pages. You'll be reminded of many things like how transformative a hot shower is and how grounding a spot of tea can be.

I'd recommend keeping this as a coffee table book or even next to your bed. If you do,you'll have a little dose of happy at arms length.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing an early look in exchange for my honest review.

A beautiful book of joys to embrace in our daily lives. I like that this book encourages slowing down and appreciating the little things. It provides a good reminder to give ourselves grace and step away from our devices and responsibilities if only for a little while.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved Sophie Blackall's illustrations for the Ivy & Bean books (also published by Chronicle Books) so I was excited to read a NetGalley ARC of this book.

It's a space of calm & reflection, a reminder to hope & to practice small acts of kindness, to ourselves & to those around us. It was inviting & warm & I absolutely adore her illustrations.

I was, however, confused about the demographics? The writing is more simplistic & toned down as though it was written for a younger audience, so I thought is was an older middle grade book, like 12-14, while also easily enjoyable by an older audience, even the cover looks like a middle grade non-fiction book. I think I saw a similar design on a non-fiction book when I was working as a Kid's Lead at Barnes & Noble, but apparently this is aimed at adults? It can absolutely be enjoyed by adults, but it feels like it's aimed younger. Maybe so it can be read with children? Unclear.

BUT it is a delightful book & I'm glad I was able to read it & there are definitely people I will be recommending it to.

Things to Look Forward To is a collection of nicely illustrated and often touching stories. Some of the titular "things" are obviously very personal to the author, so some of them weren't entirely applicable to everyone in general, but there were still plenty of others that made a connection.

Definitely the type of book made for gifting!

This book is a must-have! It offers hope, beauty, and a reminder of enjoying the little things in life. This is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

Things to Look Forward To is a splendid book to read for this day and age. In this book, the author lists 52 things to look forward to despite the stress and strain of our everyday lives. I liked that the chapters were short and the illustrations were beautiful. I also liked that the things that author mentions are not exotic but simple things that can be found in our lives, such as having a cup of coffee, looking at the clouds etc. These are the things that are permanent in our impermanent lives.

“If you are in a rut, if you feel overwhelmed by gloom, if you are exhausted and uninspired and out of sorts, you can make a list of Things to Look Forward To.”

Things to Look Forward To is a delightful look into author, Sophie Blackall’s personal life and inner thoughts about everyday/normal things. Little things like growing your own vegetables or reading your favorite book that provide a sense of comfort and accomplishment that may be lacking in the world since the beginning of the Pandemic.

I thoroughly enjoyed this short read! And if I thought I would finish - I am a tragic case of unfinished projects as well! - I would surely make my own list of 52 things to look forward to! Though I may go draw faces on my eggs tomorrow!

This book was a delight and it feels like a warm embrace when thoughts get overwhelming. I can definitely find myself referring back to this at a later date! I recommend this highly for anyone who is a worrier like I am!

Thank you NetGalley and the Publisher for this ARC!

"Things to Look Forward To" by Sophie Blackall is like taking a depth breath and that air is fresh and fortifying. This sweet book is a lovely reminder that those things such as a hot shower should not be taken for granted. I personally feel this book is very timely and exceptionally needed. We need books like this that lift us, remind us of the beauty of living and that yes those things that we take for granted are really daily gifts if we just stop, pause and let that sink in.

I also collect pebbles as Sophie does from where I am. Stone fascinates me, interesting stones that tell a story of their beginning and something that simple can and do remind us to be present in the life we are living.

The book has beautiful watercolors throughout that are soothing and have beautiful soft muted colors and art that Sophie created herself.

I loved this book from the very beginning all the way to the end. One of the wonderful things about this delightful book besides absorbing the wonder around you is that most do not cost on penny to do. I don't think I'll ever let my eggs now ever just not have smiley face looking at me when I open the fridge thank to Sophie. It also made me think of what my list would be and I am about to start one. A list of things I look forward to but make the amount the amount of years I am. This sweet, simple book has inspired me and made me realize I live such a life of gratitude and even then expand that gratitude further! Beauty, wonder and delight Sophie used those words together and I'm embracing that. Also, we're on the same page and a book that makes you feel good is a book that I want to keep on my coffee table and nightstand and give as gifts. Thanks, Sophie if you ever read this for making such an uplifting book. And thank you to Chronicle books, the publisher for publishing this timely book and for the gift of being able to read it now.

Thank you to Chronicle Books ​and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book.
This was a beautiful book; the illustrations are lovely. I'd consider giving it to someone struggling through depression or a rough patch (or just needs a bit of a pick-me-up). It's one you could come back to in various seasons of life. She includes many 'things' that I hadn't considered but thought were a beautiful addition: collecting pebbles, looking at maps, making a list. Some of my favorites from the book: coffee, scattering wildflower seeds, rain, a full moon, a drink of water.

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.

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’.

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.

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,

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.

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.

#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!

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.

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.

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.