Look Up! - by Britt Gondolfi (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A FOREWARD INDIES 2024 FINALIST FOR PICTURE BOOKS!

Now in Paperback!

In a world captivated by screens, Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution offers a refreshing and timely reminder of the importance of unplugging and reconnecting with the world around us.

Fontaine, a determined and witty pigeon, grows tired of seeing people glued to their devices. He gathers a band of bird allies to spark a playful yet powerful movement that encourages everyone to look up, embrace nature, and foster real human connections.

Written in lyrical verse and paired with whimsical illustrations, this delightful picture book delivers a heartfelt message with humor and charm. Perfect for Storytime, Look Up! not only entertains but also serves as a gentle wake-up call for readers young and old to reconsider their relationship with technology.

Key Features:
Relevant and timely theme Addresses society's overreliance on technology and screens in an approachable, lighthearted manner.
Engaging narrative Told in lyrical verse, making it enjoyable to read aloud.
Vibrant illustrations Quirky, expressive artwork that enhances the story's humor and message.
Conversation starter Encourages families to discuss the importance of balancing screen time with real-world experiences.
Suitable for all ages Perfect for young readers, parents, and educators looking for a fun yet thought-provoking read.

With Look Up!: Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution, children will laugh, learn, and be inspired to put down their devices and explore the world around them.

Review Quotes

"This tale is told in Gondolfi's casual rhyming text; the goal is not perfect scansion but the compelling idea, its execution, and the revolution itself. Romanick's art offers many hilarious moments, with a diverse street crew, a wide array of birds/comrades, and suspense as the first "bomb" is dropped. VERDICT Pure silliness, this is sure to be popular with the early elementary set."
- Ginnie Abbott, School Library Journal

"The story felt new and imaginative and a bit off the wall in the best way.. I cannot wait to share it with readers."
- Matthew Winner, The Children's Book Podcast

"[A] comic urban fable."
- Booklist

"Romanick's fluid, black-lined illustrations lend a street-smart tone to the cautionary tale."
- Publishers Weekly

"In Look Up! Fontaine the pigeon and his feathery friends notice humans acting oddly and decide to take readers on an adventure, setting out on an unplugging revolution. Using humor and beautiful bold art, this book serves as a gentle reminder to pay attention to what matters most - the living creatures in our lives!"
-Claudia Erickson, Co-Founder of The Unplug Collaborative, home of the Global Day of Unplugging

"Children will giggle at this tongue-in-cheek rhyming tale, set in New Orleans, and will hopefully get the point, which applies to adults, too: Screen time should be minimized and engaging with the world optimized. While the consequences outlined here are mined for exaggerated humor, this serious idea should spark conversations. The colorful, graphic novel-like illustrations are appealing and incorporate creative typefaces and speech bubbles; human characters are diverse. Much-needed encouragement to look up and see the world!"
- Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Britt Gondolfi grew up in the elder millennial era. She reminisces about having a screen-free childhood, minus a little Nintendo, TV, and slow dial-up desktop, but no smartphones. Concerned over how her cell phone took her attention away from her child, she wrote Look Up! Fontaine the Pigeon Starts a Revolution as an urban legend joke for her daughter. Now, if she ever gets too caught up in her cell phone, her six-year-old will politely remind her, "Mom, you better put that away before a bird poops on you! She works as a Rights of Nature policy advocate for the Bioneers organization and is a recent graduate of Loyola University College of Law. As a former teacher and lover of literature, typewriters, and poetry, she hopes this book will inspire people to look at their relationship with technology and take more time to look up.