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Things to Look Forward To: 52 Large and Small Joys for Today and Every Day
Everyone needs things to look forward big things and small things, on good days and on bad days, whether we actively create delight for ourselves or simply allow it to enter our lives.
In these pages, beloved author and illustrator Sophie Blackall has gathered a collection of joys for all of us—reminders of everyday magic, like the sun coming up and new babies being born. With wisdom, whimsy, and compassion, the 52 illustrated ideas in this book offer moments of uplift and serendipity for yourself and your loved ones. Suggestions range from baking muffins for a friend to drawing a face on an egg and putting it in the fridge where it will smile at you each time you open the door.
A message of hope and solace in hard times and of joyful anticipation at times of new beginnings—whether you're grieving a loss or starting a new chapter, and for all the days in between— Things to Look Forward To is full of gentle reminders of the objects, occasions, gestures, and ideas that warm our hearts. There is always something bright on the horizon, and sometimes that horizon can be a lot closer than we think.
BELOVED Sophie Blackall is a world-renowned, two-time Caldecott Award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Whether your kids grew up with Ivy & Bean and If You Come to Earth , or you're discovering Blackall's empathetic voice and gorgeous artwork for the first time, you're sure to fall in love with her new book for adults and folks of all ages.
UPLIFTING AND Sometimes in life we all need a little reassurance that things will get better—this book offers just that, and so much more. It reminds us that while looking forward is important, sometimes we can take matters into our own hands and create our own joy when we need it most.
THE PERFECT More than just a promise of solace in tough times, Things to Look Forward T o is also a celebration of joyful new beginnings—after all, who has more to look forward to than parents of new babies, or recent grads? You'll want to give this book to the grieving and the embarking alike. Perfect for new moms, new graduates, those going through breakups or suffering a loss, and anyone who could use a little extra joy in life just because.
Perfect
In these pages, beloved author and illustrator Sophie Blackall has gathered a collection of joys for all of us—reminders of everyday magic, like the sun coming up and new babies being born. With wisdom, whimsy, and compassion, the 52 illustrated ideas in this book offer moments of uplift and serendipity for yourself and your loved ones. Suggestions range from baking muffins for a friend to drawing a face on an egg and putting it in the fridge where it will smile at you each time you open the door.
A message of hope and solace in hard times and of joyful anticipation at times of new beginnings—whether you're grieving a loss or starting a new chapter, and for all the days in between— Things to Look Forward To is full of gentle reminders of the objects, occasions, gestures, and ideas that warm our hearts. There is always something bright on the horizon, and sometimes that horizon can be a lot closer than we think.
BELOVED Sophie Blackall is a world-renowned, two-time Caldecott Award-winning children's book author and illustrator. Whether your kids grew up with Ivy & Bean and If You Come to Earth , or you're discovering Blackall's empathetic voice and gorgeous artwork for the first time, you're sure to fall in love with her new book for adults and folks of all ages.
UPLIFTING AND Sometimes in life we all need a little reassurance that things will get better—this book offers just that, and so much more. It reminds us that while looking forward is important, sometimes we can take matters into our own hands and create our own joy when we need it most.
THE PERFECT More than just a promise of solace in tough times, Things to Look Forward T o is also a celebration of joyful new beginnings—after all, who has more to look forward to than parents of new babies, or recent grads? You'll want to give this book to the grieving and the embarking alike. Perfect for new moms, new graduates, those going through breakups or suffering a loss, and anyone who could use a little extra joy in life just because.
Perfect
120 pages, Hardcover
Published April 19, 2022
107 people are currently reading
4307 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews
March 2, 2023
4 stars - A sweet & short book with lovely illustrations of 52 ideas, large & small, of various “Things to Look Forward to” - some of which came from an IG account at the beginning of the Pandemic. Hopeful & cheerful, a quick & easy read & great way to start the New Year!!
December 8, 2022
Sophie Blackall’s Things to Look Forward To is not an original concept, i these often hard times, but I appreciate it, for the positivity, the hope, and especially the wonderful illustrations accompanying 52 items that make her look forward to living, accompanied by personal stories. The list includes unsurprising things such as babies, coffee, hot showers, letters, feeding birds, growing food, drawing on eggs, hugs, falling in love. But if you are the least bit cynical about this potential sentimentalizing (as in, Bah, Humbug!), I encourage you to check it out or pass it on to someone depressed you know.
“I have often found myself romanticizing the Before Times, when we could travel the world and hug our friends and shake hands with strangers, but I have come to the conclusion that it’s better to look forward: to gather the things we’ve learned and use our patience and perseverance and courage and empathy to care for each other and to work toward a better future for all people. To look forward to things like long-term environmental protection and racial justice; equal rights and an inclusive society; free health care and equitable education; an end to poverty, hunger, and war. But we can also look forward to everyday things that will buoy our spirits and make us laugh and help us feel alive and that will bring others comfort and hope.”
This is Maria Popova’s superior (duh!) review, so you can see several of the illustrations, and realize that, yes, reading books is what you look forward to, and at the moment, this very book by Sophie Blackall:
https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/0...
“I have often found myself romanticizing the Before Times, when we could travel the world and hug our friends and shake hands with strangers, but I have come to the conclusion that it’s better to look forward: to gather the things we’ve learned and use our patience and perseverance and courage and empathy to care for each other and to work toward a better future for all people. To look forward to things like long-term environmental protection and racial justice; equal rights and an inclusive society; free health care and equitable education; an end to poverty, hunger, and war. But we can also look forward to everyday things that will buoy our spirits and make us laugh and help us feel alive and that will bring others comfort and hope.”
This is Maria Popova’s superior (duh!) review, so you can see several of the illustrations, and realize that, yes, reading books is what you look forward to, and at the moment, this very book by Sophie Blackall:
https://www.themarginalian.org/2022/0...
June 25, 2022
This is a beautiful book written by a woman who makes a list of 52 things to look forward to. The illustrations are beautiful and the texture of the pages are wonderful also . Many of the things that she is looking forward to are things I enjoy and look forward to. . She encourages the reader to make their own list of items they look forward to.
January 10, 2024
During the pandemic, children's author/illustrator Sophie Blackall started a list of 52 things to look forward to, with illustrations. This is that list. It's aimed at grownups.
So much to love about this little book.
So much to love about this little book.
May 28, 2025
A delightful read, one that can be picked up and any page will charm the room. The words are lovely and are accompanied by illustrations that inform the thoughts that follow.
I started a list for quoting, but then realized I'd be missing the point of her book . . .pick it up, and see how her 52 suggestions hit your world and melt into something new idea you have after. . .
And then begin your own list! It's altogether a joyful temptation, a happy beckon to build your own toolkit for lightening the load of life.
I started a list for quoting, but then realized I'd be missing the point of her book . . .pick it up, and see how her 52 suggestions hit your world and melt into something new idea you have after. . .
And then begin your own list! It's altogether a joyful temptation, a happy beckon to build your own toolkit for lightening the load of life.
January 26, 2024
Loved it.
March 31, 2022
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.
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.
November 13, 2022
The book itself was beautiful! I think I would have given it an extra star if I didn't read it and just looked at the pictures. When someone starts talking politics it kind of takes me out of that relaxing mood, which I think the book was aiming for. It doesn't matter if you agree with her or not, it just takes on a different feeling.
February 17, 2024
A picture book for adults by two-time Caldecott Medal winning illustrator Sophie Blackall.
I appreciate her art, and in many ways Ms. Blackall feels like a kindred spirit. I like lists, simple joys, learning new things, and having something to look forward to.
Most of the things in this book are things I actively love. The nature stuff is up my alley: scattering wildflower seeds, full moons, seeing the sea, collecting pebbles, feeding birds. Patting dogs, reading books, growing my own food, writing and receiving letters are all things that matter to me and which I partake in daily.
Yet I was semi-disenchanted with this book. The easiest reason to peg is that it was too politics-pushing.
Personal politics was, for me, the wrong vibe for this should-be lovely book.
I also felt that the author dates it (where I feel it would be best kept timeless) by making it a pandemic book. It was maybe too much of a reminder of a few years I'm happily moving on from. It was clearly written in a darker time, and that makes it more of a book you might give someone who is going through a hard time, rather than a book of "Joys For Today and Every Day."
The list, if you were to read just the headings of each page, is general and works for this everyday claim. The descriptions, though, are sometimes deeply personal. I didn't care for this when it went political or vaguely cryptic about the author's personal life.
On the other hand, the very personal No. 37 "FALLING IN LOVE" moved me tears. I do appreciate personal stories.
Maybe the author had some stuff inside she wanted to get out, it definitely seems that way when it comes to her now-deceased ex-husband. I'm not sure this was the appropriate vessel for it.
I appreciate her art, and in many ways Ms. Blackall feels like a kindred spirit. I like lists, simple joys, learning new things, and having something to look forward to.
Most of the things in this book are things I actively love. The nature stuff is up my alley: scattering wildflower seeds, full moons, seeing the sea, collecting pebbles, feeding birds. Patting dogs, reading books, growing my own food, writing and receiving letters are all things that matter to me and which I partake in daily.
Yet I was semi-disenchanted with this book. The easiest reason to peg is that it was too politics-pushing.
Personal politics was, for me, the wrong vibe for this should-be lovely book.
I also felt that the author dates it (where I feel it would be best kept timeless) by making it a pandemic book. It was maybe too much of a reminder of a few years I'm happily moving on from. It was clearly written in a darker time, and that makes it more of a book you might give someone who is going through a hard time, rather than a book of "Joys For Today and Every Day."
The list, if you were to read just the headings of each page, is general and works for this everyday claim. The descriptions, though, are sometimes deeply personal. I didn't care for this when it went political or vaguely cryptic about the author's personal life.
On the other hand, the very personal No. 37 "FALLING IN LOVE" moved me tears. I do appreciate personal stories.
Maybe the author had some stuff inside she wanted to get out, it definitely seems that way when it comes to her now-deceased ex-husband. I'm not sure this was the appropriate vessel for it.
February 7, 2022
This is a sweet little book, with very well-done illustrations and some good ideas. It would make a nice gift in a package for someone struggling with the current mundanity of our daily lives.
Having read a lot of books along these lines lately, I find the writing is a bit average and author-specific. It is unusual, but in this case, I believe more text, but generally applied, or less text, as just a supplement to the lovely images, would have been more effective.
Having read a lot of books along these lines lately, I find the writing is a bit average and author-specific. It is unusual, but in this case, I believe more text, but generally applied, or less text, as just a supplement to the lovely images, would have been more effective.
April 20, 2022
One of my favorite illustrators wrote a list of things to look forward to do, to overcome this pandemic I might add, and drew them as only she can. So I can only say that this book is something like the chicken soup for the soul and that it was much needed.
Una delle mie illustratrici preferite ha scritto una lista di cose belle da fare, per superare questa pandemia aggiungo io, e le ha disegnate come sa fare solo lei. Quindi non posso che affermare che questo libro é qualcosa di assimilabile ad un brodino caldo per l'anima e che ce n'era bisogno.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Una delle mie illustratrici preferite ha scritto una lista di cose belle da fare, per superare questa pandemia aggiungo io, e le ha disegnate come sa fare solo lei. Quindi non posso che affermare che questo libro é qualcosa di assimilabile ad un brodino caldo per l'anima e che ce n'era bisogno.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
April 12, 2022
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.
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.
May 7, 2024
This just...wasn't good. Way too wordy for no reason? Also way too personal for a book that's supposed to help everyone look forward to tomorrow.
August 4, 2022
**Actual Star Rating: 1.5. Stars**
This book has such a beautiful cover and one that promises great things that I was excited to get my hands on it. Unfortunately it was also the type of book that I could pick-up and read the introduction while understanding in which way it would be going, which is a Woke signal virtue that instead of focusing on the theme returns back to the author's life.
First of all I really do have to acknowledge that I love the concept and the fact that the author does focus on reminding the reader of the little things that can be added to either any day or bucketlist. All of these items are simplistic and really do help one to feel a sense of achievement while can be completed in a short amount of time. And that is basically where what I like ends.
The book itself approaches each suggestion one of two ways. Either there is a general summary with a bland tongue-in-cheek words of wisdom approach or the more oft sharing of the author's life including key words. Like any human sharing their life experiences some of them are confusing such as her plain affectionate return to the ex she dropped, some are plain shoving a message and others seem like she doesn't know if the blessing is worth its weight such as petting a skunky dog.
For once why can't such books just be stripped of the author's elements while mayhaps just sharing just the basics - possible routines for coming home, suggestions for how to complete such goals like maybe a breakfast picnic to watch a sunrise, maybe some shared recipes or even ideas on how to create a personal list. Perhaps it is just a bit too much to ask for or just a book that is out there undiscovered by me.
This does make for a nice start to bucketlist goals for those who have no idea where to start and also perhaps for those who need a reminder just how much life can be blessed even when it seems a mess. Otherwise if you aren't a fan of memoirs or Woke lit then I would stay just leave it on a shelf for the next reader.
This book has such a beautiful cover and one that promises great things that I was excited to get my hands on it. Unfortunately it was also the type of book that I could pick-up and read the introduction while understanding in which way it would be going, which is a Woke signal virtue that instead of focusing on the theme returns back to the author's life.
First of all I really do have to acknowledge that I love the concept and the fact that the author does focus on reminding the reader of the little things that can be added to either any day or bucketlist. All of these items are simplistic and really do help one to feel a sense of achievement while can be completed in a short amount of time. And that is basically where what I like ends.
The book itself approaches each suggestion one of two ways. Either there is a general summary with a bland tongue-in-cheek words of wisdom approach or the more oft sharing of the author's life including key words. Like any human sharing their life experiences some of them are confusing such as her plain affectionate return to the ex she dropped, some are plain shoving a message and others seem like she doesn't know if the blessing is worth its weight such as petting a skunky dog.
For once why can't such books just be stripped of the author's elements while mayhaps just sharing just the basics - possible routines for coming home, suggestions for how to complete such goals like maybe a breakfast picnic to watch a sunrise, maybe some shared recipes or even ideas on how to create a personal list. Perhaps it is just a bit too much to ask for or just a book that is out there undiscovered by me.
This does make for a nice start to bucketlist goals for those who have no idea where to start and also perhaps for those who need a reminder just how much life can be blessed even when it seems a mess. Otherwise if you aren't a fan of memoirs or Woke lit then I would stay just leave it on a shelf for the next reader.
February 19, 2022
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.
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.
July 17, 2023
For a non-fiction coffee table book this was so lovely, and also an interesting pandemic time capsule. Sophia Blackall is perhaps my favorite illustrator and a poignant writer as well, and her skills were perfectly paired in this book. This would be a lovely book to leave on a guest bedside table or to give a friend going through a hard time.
October 24, 2022
Delight! Delight! Delight! This has been sitting on my coffee table for a few months, & this weekend I felt called to open it up & read every word. It’s a balm to the soul, an absolute treasure & exactly what I needed as the days turn darker & leaves jump from trees— a hug of a book.
August 11, 2022
Not quite what I expected it to be, but that's not the book's fault! It's very grounded in the beginning of the pandemic, which does not necessarily make for a relaxing reading experience.
January 8, 2023
Gentle encouragement of find the joys that are all around us.
Popsugar23 #26 - The shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list
(This is not a good prompt for me. As a children’s librarian my TBR list if full of picture books, which I don’t want to count toward these goals. I’m calling it for this one that is not only low on pages, but it is plentiful on white space and delightful drawings.) 119 pgs.
Popsugar23 #26 - The shortest book (by pages) on your TBR list
(This is not a good prompt for me. As a children’s librarian my TBR list if full of picture books, which I don’t want to count toward these goals. I’m calling it for this one that is not only low on pages, but it is plentiful on white space and delightful drawings.) 119 pgs.
March 6, 2025
Good vibes!
December 23, 2022
Beautiful illustrations and heartwarming reminders of things to look forward to in ushering the new year!
February 14, 2023
A lovely reminder of all the wonderful moments and things contained in life, a type of gratitude list per se accompanied by beautiful and whimsical pictures.
April 23, 2022
Este libro es la definición de encontrar la belleza en la simplicidad. Acompañado de lindas ilustraciones, viene a recordandos los placeres cotidianos que acompañan nuestro diario vivir. Te motiva a hacer tu propia lista.
June 30, 2022
Stop and appreciate the everyday blessings. Just a sweet and airy and inspirational book. A very quick read. While also a very slow read - if you stop and really dwell on each thought and picture. Really makes me want to start my own list. However, I have to say that my Mom brought me up to be very aware of dangling prepositions. The title of this book: Things to Look Forward TO. It just makes me laugh at the private joke my Mom had about pointing out those darn little danglers. Maybe that can be on my personal list of things that make me giggle.
February 24, 2022
This book works for giving to a friend who is a having a hard time-- not something you would find in a library. That said, it works better if you read the entries one at a time and not all at once. In my opinion, it should have stayed an Instagram series, but #capitalism.
July 7, 2022
I love Sophie Blackall's illustrations. This is a nice book to flip through at the end of a long day—it is indeed a list of "things to look forward to" with personal stories woven throughout.
September 12, 2022
The illustrations (paintings) are beautiful. Author/artist Sophie Blackall shares her list of 52 things to look forward to, each accompanied by an appropriate illustration and usually a personal story of the activity from Sophie's life.
The book is not a list the reader should take on as a checklist to accomplish, but as an inspiration to develop a personal list of their own.
The book is not a list the reader should take on as a checklist to accomplish, but as an inspiration to develop a personal list of their own.
December 15, 2022
I love the concept of making a list of joys to get you through the day, week, life. The artwork was gorgeous and I learned more about Sophie's personal life as well. I want to purchase a copy for myself!
June 26, 2022
This is an absolute gem of a book and I highly recommend it. The book is a list of 52 things that the author looks forward to with a description and illustration. There were definitely many similarities in what she looks forward to and what I do as well. I would like to make my own list just as she did. What is something that you look forward to
May 20, 2022
I stumbled across a reference by the always evocative Maria Popova to this delightful book. Sophie Blackall uses her simple but powerful illustrations to give us 52 reminders of things we can look forward to, from hot showers and coffee (near the top of my list), to love and babies. While it's not strictly a memoir, there are enough personal touches that you can get a real sense of the author's life. Yet the themes are so universal it will resonate with everyone. Added bonus: Can be read in a sitting.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 365 reviews