Love this book. It is like a precious gem that shines with wisdom and beauty.

The words within its pages have the power to touch the deepest corners of my heart and soul.

It is not just a book, but a companion that accompanies me through the joys and sorrows of life.

Love this message. It is a gentle breeze that blows away the clouds of doubt and confusion.

It gives me hope and courage to face the challenges that come my way.

The message is simple yet profound, and it has the ability to change my perspective on life.

Love this woman. She is a flower that blooms in the garden of my life.

Her presence brings warmth and light to my world.

She is kind, gentle, and loving, and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

She is the one who makes my heart skip a beat and my spirit soar.

I love her with all my heart and soul.

As soon as Julia saw the "dinosaur" on the cover, I knew we'd be checking it out of the library. I didn't even bother looking at the author, title, or flipping through it because I knew I'd be in for the fight of my life. So we just took it.

When we finally picked it up to read it, I was pleasantly surprised when I saw who the author was.

Now about the book. Julia wasn't too thrilled to find out her dinosaur was really a dragon, but she said it was going to be "a T-Rex just for me", so we picked ourselves up and kept going. She also thought the illustrations were a bit on the scary side, and frankly, I have to agree with her.

The message is obvious and it's simple enough for a young child to grasp easily.

I absolutely adore the fact that in the back of the book, Angelou's life is told in a manner that kids can not only understand but be interested in. And, I adore a thousand times more the fact that Angelou is said to "stand as a thriving, proud example of a modern American woman". From past experience, I've seen that most black authors are always "black and proud" or "a black man" or whatever else you can think of as long as you throw in "black". I don't see this, ever, with white authors, and I don't like it either way. There is too much emphasis on the race of a person these days. Male and female I can see. Black and white? No. Not useful at all in my opinion. It doesn't matter a lick to me if an author (or anyone else) is black, white, brown, or green. I think the person that wrote that, whether it was Angelou herself or someone else, did her a great service by stating that she's a "proud American woman" while leaving her race out. She shouldn't be defined by her race, no one should.

I'll note that if an author's race is specified in a circumstance where there is no reason, I'll entirely skip over it. I don't wish to have my daughter seeing everyone as whether they're black or white when there is so much more important factors to a person.

Her words are like a powerful spell, casting a magic that touches the hearts and souls of those who listen.

Every time she speaks, it's as if a thousand stars fall from the sky and land gently in our ears.

Her voice is soft and gentle, yet it carries a weight and authority that commands attention.

When she uses her words, she has the ability to inspire, to motivate, and to bring out the best in us.

Her words can heal wounds, mend broken hearts, and give hope to those who have lost it.

They are a source of strength and comfort in times of need.

With just a few carefully chosen words, she can change our perspective on life and make us see the world in a whole new light.

Her words are truly magic, and we are all the better for having heard them.

"Life Doesn't Frighten Me" by Maya Angelou, illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat, is a remarkable work.

I truly couldn't envision having much interest in Basquiat's art if the editor hadn't done an outstanding job of matching the words with the pictures. The outcome gives the impression of a seamless collaboration, rather than a mere post-hoc pairing.

The back matter is also nice, for those who are interested. And a special mention goes to my local librarians. They always manage to find new books in their displays to entice me, even when I'm in a bit of a reading slump.

It's great to have such a wonderful library copy to enjoy.

Life Doesn't Frighten Me is a remarkable poem that delves deep into the theme of fearlessness.

It vividly describes all the various things that people often find themselves afraid of. However, it doesn't just stop at presenting the fears; it also infuses a powerful sense of bravery throughout.

By reading this book, children will be given the opportunity to witness that they have the ability within them to overcome their fears.

The illustrations in the book are charmingly child-like. This quality makes it highly appealing to children as they can easily relate to the images and understand the concepts being presented.

Overall, this is an outstanding book that is not only a pleasure for children to read but also leaves them with a sense of empowerment upon finishing it. It serves as a wonderful tool to help children build their courage and face life's challenges with confidence.

Re-used ISBN is a concerning issue. In this case, although the publisher is the same, the first book is a picture book illustrated by Jean-Michel Basquiat, while the second one is part of the Graphic Poetry series and illustrated by Darcy Muenchrath.

This situation is bound to cause confusion in the future. I am well aware that my office has been purchasing books from the Graphic Poetry series for use in schools.

It is essential to ensure that each book has a unique ISBN to avoid such mix-ups. This not only helps in accurate identification and classification but also simplifies the process of ordering and stocking books.

Publishers should take responsibility for ensuring the integrity of the ISBN system and avoid re-using ISBNs for different books. This will prevent unnecessary confusion and ensure a smooth flow of books in the educational and literary markets.

The words and pictures in this book might initially seem scary to a child. However, as they continue to read, they will experience a sense of triumph.

It is an excellent book to share with a child and then encourage them to explore it independently.

The combination of vivid illustrations and engaging text can capture a child's imagination and take them on a thrilling adventure.

By allowing them to explore on their own, they can develop their creativity and critical thinking skills.

This book not only provides entertainment but also offers valuable learning opportunities for children.

It can help them face their fears, build confidence, and discover the joy of reading.

Overall, it is a wonderful addition to any child's library.

Shadows on the wall,

Noises down the hall.

These common occurrences in life do not have the power to frighten me at all.

Bad dogs barking loud,

Big ghosts in a cloud.

Even such seemingly scary things hold no terror for me.

Mean old Mother Goose,

Lions on the loose.

They are just part of the fabric of life and don't frighten me in the slightest.

Dragons breathing flame on my counterpane.

This fantastical image doesn't cause me any fear either.

I go boo, make them shoo.

I make fun, watch the way they run.

I choose not to cry, so they fly away.

I simply smile and they go wild.

Life, with all its potential scares, doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys fight, all alone at night.

This doesn't have any impact on my fearlessness.

Panthers in the park,

Strangers in the dark.

No, they are not enough to make me feel afraid.

That new classroom where boys all pull my hair,

(Kissy little girls with their hair in curls).

Even these experiences in school don't frighten me at all.

Don't show me frogs and snakes and listen for my scream.

If I'm afraid at all, it's only in my dreams.

I've got a magic charm that I keep up my sleeve.

I can walk the ocean floor and never have to breathe.

Life, in all its forms and challenges, doesn't frighten me at all.

Have you ever been scared of life? There is a remarkable poetry novel called "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" by Maya Angelu.

This book is all about being courageous and unafraid of whatever life throws your way. Throughout its pages, it exemplifies the possible ways in which individuals might feel afraid. However, the words and illustrations of the poem serve as a powerful reminder of courage, resilience, and strength.

The major themes of the poem are numerous, including courage, resilience, empowerment, fearlessness, and solidarity. It is a recurring reminder and theme that showcases the importance of facing forward with fear or uncertainty and remaining courageous and brave.

I absolutely loved reading this book as it truly gave me a sense of empowerment and confidence. The main genre of this poem is poetry. Children who read this poem can learn two crucial concepts: courage and resilience, as well as how to embrace uncertainties. Through the teaching of this poem, children can understand that it is of utmost importance to stay fearless and courageous in the face of uncertainties or fear. This is significant as it can foster a sense of empowerment and confidence within them.

Children can also learn through this poem to celebrate the power of fearlessness during times of uncertainties, which is equally important as it too nurtures confidence and empowerment. This is truly a WOW poem for me because the teachings of this book are so important and inspiring. The repeated reminder of the importance of empowerment and courage in this poem has a huge impact on children's confidence.

Some of the literary devices used in this poem include repetition. The author repetitively expresses the phrase “Life doesn't Frighten me.” This powerful statement elicits a sense of empowerment and confidence in the reader and teaches them to stay fearless in times of uncertainty. Other literary devices employed by the author are imagery and metaphor. Both of these literary devices carry the overarching theme of empowerment by showcasing the impact of using words to paint vivid pictures for the reader and by equating scary life situations to powerful concepts.

This poem does not exhibit any bias as it does not target or stereotype any particular race, culture, or religion. Its sole focus is on empowerment, making it a truly inclusive and inspiring piece of work.

Right after I saw the movie Basquiat, I happened to come across this book.

Admittedly, my initial motivation for watching the movie was to see Bowie's portrayal of Warhol and Gary Oldman's performance as Schnabel. However, by the time the movie reached its conclusion, I was completely captivated by Basquiat.

I had previously read a few of Maya Angelou's poems, but not this particular one. At first glance, the combination of the beautiful, eloquent poetry and the harsh, fascinating artwork seemed rather strange. My immediate reaction was: Life doesn't frighten me, but this book does. And yet, in some inexplicable way, that very combination manages to work. It has a quality that is both jarring and, oddly enough, comforting.

The book seems to offer a unique perspective on life, one that is both raw and beautiful. It makes me think about the power of art and poetry to touch our souls and make us see the world in a different light.

Overall, I'm glad I discovered this book, as it has added a new dimension to my understanding and appreciation of both Basquiat and Maya Angelou.

Life can be a truly intimidating thing at times.

But then there's Maya Angelou's "Life Doesn't Frighten Me," which serves as a powerful reminder that we possess far more courage than we often give ourselves credit for.

This remarkable book is a unique blend of Angelou's profound poetry and Jean Michel Basquiat's bold and vibrant artwork, resulting in something truly extraordinary.

It's not merely a book; rather, it's a much-needed pep talk for anyone who has ever been overcome by fear.

The poem's recurring refrain, "Life doesn't frighten me at all," has a simplicity that belies its power.

It's the kind of affirmation that you could easily repeat to yourself in the mirror on a particularly challenging day.

Angelou masterfully captures the essence of confronting one's fears, whether they are real or imagined, and defiantly proclaiming, "You don't control me."

What sets this book apart is the seamless pairing of Angelou's words with Basquiat's art.

His raw and expressive style infuses the pages with an abundance of emotion, creating a mood that is fierce, defiant, and teeming with energy.

You can almost sense the palpable throb of courage pulsing through every page.

What I find most endearing about this book is its relatability.

You don't have to be a die-hard poetry enthusiast to appreciate its beauty.

Whether you're a child nervously facing the first day of school or an adult grappling with the unexpected twists and turns of life, the message remains the same: you are stronger than your fears.

It's like having a trusted friend by your side, gently reminding you that you have what it takes to overcome any obstacle, even when self-doubt creeps in.

This book isn't just about being fearless; it's about uncovering the strength within us in the face of fear and learning to embrace our own inherent power.

It's a relatively quick read, but its impact lingers long after you've turned the final page.

After finishing it, I found myself reflecting on all the times in life when we need to stand a little taller and bravely face the unknown.

If you're in search of something that is both inspiring and visually captivating, "Life Doesn't Frighten Me" is most definitely worth picking up.

It's more than just a book; it's a powerful reminder that even when life gets tough, we have the resilience and determination to rise above it.

“I just smile, they go wild, Life doesn’t frighten me at all”. This powerful poem has been transformed into a remarkable book, vividly brought to life by Jean-Michel Basquiat’s captivating paintings.

I firmly believe that this story holds great potential for use across primary school. It can be explored on multiple levels, making it a valuable educational resource. In particular, I would choose to engage Lower Key Stage 2 children with this book, with the aim of inspiring them to produce a piece of writing based on the poem.

I would begin by reading the book aloud to my class, allowing them to沉浸 in the rhythm and flow of the words. Then, I would give them ample time to explore the book independently, carefully observing and absorbing the paintings, and reflecting on how they connect with the text.

As we read the poem, different questions naturally arise, and a range of emotions are evoked. At the beginning, the repeated phrase “doesn’t frighten me at all” is prefaced by “that” or “they”, leading us to wonder what could be so terrifying that the author is not afraid of it. This sense of mystery and anticipation builds as we progress through the poem.

The emotional tone of the poem changes towards the end, where a whole page is dedicated to the words “Life doesn’t frighten me at all”. It is as if these words are being shouted at us, perhaps suggesting that the author is actually scared of life but is determined to hide it. This provides a rich opportunity for drama work, as children can explore how they would conceal their own fears.

In addition to its literary and dramatic potential, this poem and the accompanying paintings also offer a wealth of possibilities for art. The abstract nature of the pictures encourages children to explore a different style of art, perhaps by painting their own fears and surrounding them with words and reasons that make them seem less intimidating.

Finally, at the back of the book, there is a biography on Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat. This can serve as an excellent starting point for learning about non-fiction writing. Children can use these biographies as a model to decide which of the two artists they would like to research and write their own biography about.

Overall, this book is a treasure trove of educational opportunities, offering a multi-faceted exploration of literature, art, drama, and non-fiction writing. It has the potential to engage and inspire children at all levels, and I look forward to sharing it with my class.