Look Up!: An award-winning, inspirational picture-book story

This is a great book for all ages - the quirky, fun and dynamic lead character (Rocket) is very relatable and brilliantly brought to life by Dapa's illustrations. It's exciting to see debut talent showcasing strong, diverse characters and important messages - we could all do with less looking down and far more looking up! Published by Penguin UK in June 2019 this has already become a favourite in our household. I love the way this story is told - there isn't reams of text but what there is, says a lot. It worked well for reading aloud and sharing together (with my 3 year old at home but I can also imagine with a class or school assembly) and my son immediately grabbed it from me and went off to hide and paw through the pages himself - he was absolutely absorbed with the pictures and layout. I love the gap in Rocket's teeth; the references in the images that aren't mentioned in the text; the links to real life hero Mae Jemison; the 'did you know' real life facts; the touching sibling relationship; the absolute belief Rocket has in herself and her super strong ambition (alongside a powerful vulnerability and fragility) and most of all, I love the subtle (but very clear) nod to our escalating use of mobile phones and impact of screen time cleverly interwoven in a joyous story. In this book, Nathan and Dapa have skilfully captured the wonder, awe and imagination of children the world over - cardboard box inventions, stuffed animal press conferences and big adventures in your local park. If you're looking for energy, hope and a really good story then this is for you!

I got this when it came out, having met the illustrator, Dapo, at a workshop. I was inspired by his talk and continue to be impressed by all his books and achievements. I'm so glad we are finally seeing books with "black faces in normal spaces" as he put it. So important for so many reasons. All his other books like Hey You! and the fantastic collaboration with Malorie Blackman, We're Going to Catch the Monster to name just a few are also well worth checking out. I also loved the sequel to Look Up!, Clean Up! which has a great message. Dapo has a knack for conveying so much through just his illustrations, his characters are so relatable, I particularly like Rocket and her family. Really looking forward to his latest beautiful creation, Joyful Joyful where he collaborates with his grandmother. History in the making.

I bought this book following inspiration from a chef on the Great British Menu competition, which this year is all about children's literature illustrations and animation. I bought it to go with a telescope I have bought for my granddaughter for her birthday which is in June.It is the perfect book. It focuses on looking at the natural world more and how wonderful that can be and less at your phone etc. It is multiracial, scientific, and shows a child's imaginative and entrepreneurial skills, and sharing of ideas within a community.For such a small volume it packs a lot in.I can't praise this book enough.I hope my granddaughter like it as much as I do.

Inspirational ⭐️

Story is okay, could have had a better flow to it. The overall message behind it is good. However, the standout for me is the illustrations. The main character as a standalone is so endearing and sweet. She is relatable and realistic, would love to see more stories with her on many other adventures!

I had this book in my basket for such a long time before purchasing it end I feel silly now as it is a GORGEOUS book with a wonderful, empowering story!The illustrations are to die for!The all black characters are so important to see!The story of putting down technology to enjoy the world and universe around us is refreshing!The story of female empowerment and achievement is amazingly inspiring!I have nothing to say about this book at all.I love it!!

I will be getting the full series. It's a good book.

We bought this book for our little girl (3) on after seeing it featured on Great British Menu. The illustrations and story are great, lots of personality comes across from Rocket!