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book cover for Look Up

Look Up

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Pub Date Nov 18 2025 | Archive Date Jan 07 2026

Publisher Spotlight | Transit Children's Editions


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Description

From the beloved illustrator of Giant on the Shore, a dreamy retelling of a Mexican legend about the other world that exists right in front of us, if only we slow down and look.

Many, many years ago, a man was immensely curious about the sky, his curiosity as big as the sky itself. He would spend all day looking up, his eyes reflecting clouds or stars. But as time went on, his gaze was brought to earth, and he joined his neighbors in looking down, putting one foot in front of the other—until the passing days became a mysterious labyrinth that opened before him, leading him somewhere secret.

With the power of a myth and the finesse of a watercolor, Look Up opens up the worlds within worlds that only careful attention can reveal. Award-winning author and artist Azul López welcomes us into subtle and immersive acrylic paintings in a tale of wonder lost and found, and of the courage required to turn one’s gaze in another direction.


From the beloved illustrator of Giant on the Shore, a dreamy retelling of a Mexican legend about the other world that exists right in front of us, if only we slow down and look.

Many, many years ago...


Advance Praise

"Warm hues and soft, multiplying details mark the rich illustrations, wherein stark patterns reflect conformity and flurries of color have an enlivening effect, jarring audiences from complacency to bring attention back to the natural world." - Foreword Reviews, Starred Review

"Children will empathize with the protagonist, torn between following his personal longing and going with the group mentality. Sensitively translated from Spanish, López's text provides an elegant accompaniment to the author/illustrator's arresting art. A story that feeds the spirit."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review


"López's impressionistic paintings emphasize human smallness against nature's vastness in this ruminative story about...the birds scatter across pages like multicolored confetti in this soaring celebration of the virtues of looking up."--Publishers Weekly

"Warm hues and soft, multiplying details mark the rich illustrations, wherein stark patterns reflect conformity and flurries of color have an enlivening effect, jarring audiences from complacency to...


Available Editions

EDITION Other Format
ISBN 9798893380286
PRICE $19.95 (USD)
PAGES 42

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Average rating from 10 members


Featured Reviews

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The story shines through its masterful artwork, which beautifully portrays the natural world. The illustrations reveal the industrious rhythm of human life—almost like watching busy ants from a bird’s-eye view. Its message about nurturing our relationship with the natural world is delivered succinctly and in a way that resonates with both children and adults. The emergence of the golondrinas, or sparrows, from the cave offers a surprising and satisfying ending that ties the narrative together nicely.

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⭐ Children’s Fiction | Atmospheric | Based on True Events

Thank you to Publisher Spotlight for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Look Up is a spacious and atmospheric story that follows a man who spends his days looking up at the sky. Over time, he joins everyone else and stops gazing upward,until the days begin to blur and something spectacular breaks the routine.

The artwork is open, airy, and beautifully composed, creating a sense of stillness that matches the reflective nature of the story. Inspired by true events, the book offers an artistic visual interpretation of a recurring natural phenomenon, inviting readers to pause and appreciate the wonder above them.

A thoughtful, artistic read perfect for children and adults who enjoy contemplative stories with striking visuals.

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Look Up is a dreamy, contemplative retelling of a Mexican legend that invites readers to notice the worlds of wonder that exist right in front of us. I didn’t realize before reading that this story is connected to a real natural phenomenon: thousands of birds emerging from a deep cave. What an extraordinary sight that must be in person.

The narrative itself is simple, yet it carries a profound truth. When we are distracted or constantly looking down, we miss the beauty unfolding around us. Azul López’s artwork is stunning, with acrylic paintings that pull you into the quiet magic of the story. This book is a gentle reminder for readers of all ages to slow down, look up, and rediscover the wonder we often overlook.

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A truly incredible read. This book has a lovely message, and breathtaking illustrations. A great reminder for us all to slow down and look up.

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This story is gorgeously illustrated! It's a beautiful reminder to slow down, look up, and look at all the beauty around us.

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Beautifully written story. Terrific illustrations. Love the perspective of slowing down and looking at things bigger than ourselves. I was recently at a friend's house and experienced a starling murmuration off her back deck. It was a breathtaking sight, and a memory I will carry with me.

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