Dramatis personae:

Jo, a teenage babysitter

Ellie, a 3-year-old.

Jo: Let's read this one!

Ellie: No. That looks scary.

Jo: Well, let's give it a try?

[begins reading]

Shadows on the wall, noises down the hall. Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Bad dogs barking loud, big ghosts in a cloud. Life doesn’t frighten me at all.

Ellie: This is a bad book. These pictures are scary.

Jo: Should we stop?

Ellie: Yes. No.

Jo: [finishes reading]

Ellie: That was a very bad book. Who is that lady? [points to author photo]

Jo: That's Maya Angelou! She wrote the book.

Ellie: I don't like her.

Fin.

[Closed course, do not attempt. This is a gorgeous, oversized art book for adults. A master teacher or librarian could use it in a classroom with kids over 5, but random babysitters should not try this at home.]

The story begins with Jo, a teenage babysitter, suggesting to read a particular book to Ellie, a 3-year-old. However, Ellie is reluctant as the book looks scary to her. Despite Ellie's initial hesitation, Jo starts reading the book. As Jo reads the lines about shadows, noises, bad dogs, and big ghosts, Ellie expresses her dislike for the book, stating that it is bad and the pictures are scary. Jo asks if they should stop, and Ellie gives a somewhat indecisive response. Eventually, Jo finishes reading the book. Ellie then points to the author photo and asks who the lady is. Jo tells her that it is Maya Angelou, the author of the book. Ellie promptly declares that she doesn't like her. The story ends with a note indicating that this is a closed course and not to be attempted by random babysitters as it is an oversized art book for adults. However, a master teacher or librarian could use it in a classroom with kids over 5.

Maya Angelou's powerful words are paired with the vivid urban art of Basquiat. It creates an enthralling combination that immediately captures the attention. Angelou's words have the ability to touch the deepest parts of our souls, while Basquiat's art brings a vibrant and edgy energy to the table. The two forms of expression complement each other perfectly, creating a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you are a fan of literature or art, this combination is sure to leave you in awe. It shows the power of different mediums coming together to create something truly special. So, take a moment to soak in the beauty and power of this enthralling collaboration between Maya Angelou and Basquiat.

It truly made me shed tears, perhaps mainly because life indeed scares me to a great extent. I often find myself feeling vulnerable and intimidated by the uncertainties and challenges that come my way. However, despite this underlying fear, I have to admit that this particular thing was executed beautifully. The way it was presented and the emotions it evoked were simply remarkable. It had a powerful impact on me, moving me in a way that I had not expected. It made me realize that even in the face of my fears, there are still things that can touch my heart and make me feel deeply. It was a moment of both vulnerability and strength, and I will always remember it.

I pulled this down from my bookshelf and re-read it when Angelou died.

Her works have always held a special place in my heart.

Not all of her poetry touches me, but this particular piece I cherish deeply.

It's as if her words have the power to transport me to another world, a world filled with her emotions, her experiences, and her wisdom.

Maya Angelou was truly an inspiring human being.

Her life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome even the greatest of obstacles.

Her words continue to inspire generations of people around the world, and her legacy will live on forever.

Rereading this work after her passing was a bittersweet experience.

On one hand, I was filled with sadness at the loss of such a great artist.

On the other hand, I was reminded of the beauty and power of her words, and how they will continue to touch the hearts of people for years to come.

Look.

Here is a poem by Maya Angelou and artwork by Basquiat. Separately, they are indeed artistic masterpieces.

I understand what the editor was attempting in putting them together. And I suppose it sort of functions in a certain way.

However, it is not suitable for kids.

Every single child I presented this to found the art work to be terrifying.

The profound message of the poem simply couldn't penetrate through.

The combination might have had good intentions, but it seems to have missed the mark when it comes to the young audience.

Perhaps a different approach or a more age-appropriate pairing would have been more effective in communicating the intended ideas.

As it stands, this particular combination fails to engage and educate kids in the way it was likely intended.

It serves as a reminder that when creating materials for children, careful consideration must be given to their sensibilities and cognitive abilities.

The poem may not send shivers down your spine, but Basquiat's pictures just might. The blurb describes the pictures as 'childlike', yet anyone acquainted with Basquiat's art would be rather perplexed by that description. Ostensibly a children's book, I purchased the 25th Anniversary hardback edition simply as an art book. I find it hard to envision any child actually relishing these harsh, self-referential pictures.

Basquiat grew up in a prosperous household, but at the age of 15, he ran away and embarked on a life filled with sex, drugs, and rap. He was a graffiti artist, leaving his mark on New York, whether defacing or enhancing it, under the name of SAMO. He became associated with several galleries and patrons, most notably Andy Warhol's Factory. He had always lived on drugs and alcohol, but limited means meant limited supplies. The bountiful gift of fame brought in enough money for excess, and at the tender age of 27, he died from a heroin overdose.

His paintings, all of his mixed-media art, mirrored his unforgiving view of the world. The poem is a classic example of Maya Angelou's work and sounds especially captivating when read aloud. However, I don't believe it pairs well with the paintings. That being said, it is still a wonderful art book, deserving of 5 stars.

This is the poem: \\n  

\\n   

Shadows on the wall
Noises down the hall
Life doesn't frighten me at all

Bad dogs barking loud
Big ghosts in a cloud
Life doesn't frighten me at all

Mean old Mother Goose
Lions on the loose
They don't frighten me at all

Dragons breathing flame
On my counterpane
That doesn't frighten me at all.

I go boo
Make them shoo
I make fun
Way they run
I won't cry
So they fly
I just smile
They go wild

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Tough guys fight
All alone at night
Life doesn't frighten me at all.

Panthers in the park
Strangers in the dark
No, they don't frighten me at all.

That new classroom where
Boys all pull my hair
(Kissy little girls
With their hair in curls)
They 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 doesn't frighten me at all
Not at all
Not at all.

Life doesn't frighten me at all.

\\n  

\\n

I go boo,

Make them shoo.

This is my way to have some fun.

When I do this, they often run.

I don't care if they think it's strange.

I just want to see them change their range.

[…]

I won't cry,

So they fly.

I'm not afraid of their reaction.

I'm just being myself, in my own fraction.

Maybe they'll understand one day.

Until then, I'll keep doing my play.

This is my little world, full of joy and surprise.

And I'm happy to be in it, no matter what others advise.

What can I say about this book other than AWESOME!

This book is truly remarkable. If you know a child who is struggling with issues related to fear, then this is the BOOK for them.

It offers valuable insights and practical strategies that can help children overcome their fears and build confidence. The author has done an excellent job of presenting the material in a way that is engaging and easy for children to understand.

Whether it's fear of the dark, fear of heights, or any other type of fear, this book provides the tools and support that children need to face their fears head-on. It's a must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone who works with children.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to help a child overcome their fears and become a more confident and resilient individual.

This book is truly engaging and features really neat artistic illustrations that are perfect for students in kindergarten through first grade.

It presents various scenarios that might occur in people's lives and shows how these individuals are not frightened by life at all.

I could definitely utilize this book when teaching about emotions.

It can convey the message that it is okay if certain things are frightening, while also teaching the students how to be brave and how to overcome their fears to the point where they are no longer frightened.

This book serves as a valuable resource for educators, as it combines interesting illustrations with important life lessons about emotions and fear management.

It can help young students develop a better understanding of their own emotions and learn essential skills for dealing with challenging situations.

Overall, it is a great addition to any classroom library.

I read this poem over and over as a child.

It was truly a remarkable piece that had a profound impact on my young life.

Probably one of the founding works, it bestowed upon me the strength and independence that I possess today.

Not to mention, it served as a wellspring of inspiration, fueling my desire to become a poet.

The words seemed to dance on the page, captivating my imagination and transporting me to another world.

Each time I read it, I discovered new layers of meaning and beauty.

It was as if the poem was whispering secrets to me, guiding me on my journey of self-discovery.

Even now, as an adult, I can still recall the powerful emotions that this poem evoked within me.

It will always hold a special place in my heart and continue to inspire me to this day.

Maya Angelou is an inspiring figure. Her life has been filled with various experiences, yet she remains unfazed.

She doesn't let the opinions and words of others bother her. It simply doesn't make sense to her to worry about what people say.

After all, people are going to talk about her, about you, and about me anyway.

Maya Angelou has chosen to rise above the chatter and focus on living her life to the fullest.

She has used her voice and her writing to share her story and to inspire generations.

Her example teaches us that we too can ignore the naysayers and follow our own path.

No matter what others may say, we have the power to define ourselves and create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

So, let's take a page from Maya Angelou's book and not let the words of others hold us back.

Let's be strong, be confident, and be true to ourselves.

Maya Angelou's courageous poem is remarkably paired with Jean-Michel Basquiat's scary and humorous art to face your fears and to live.

Maya Angelou's childhood was a tumultuous one, filled with trauma and prejudices. However, she showed incredible strength and resilience as she overcame these obstacles to become a civil and human rights advocate, a respected professor, a talented writer, and a renowned poet. I am in possession of her autobiographical series, but unfortunately, I have never found the time to read them all. This year, I have decided that it is finally time to embark on this literary journey and discover the profound insights and experiences that she has shared.

Jean-Michel Basquiat, who was born in Brooklyn, was a unique and influential artist. He created art through graffiti and paintings, skillfully weaving together the rhythms and textures of the city with the techniques and traditions of fine arts. His work was a powerful expression of his thoughts, emotions, and observations. Tragically, in 1988, at the young age of 27, he passed away due to a drug overdose, leaving behind a remarkable body of work that continues to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.