Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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Please provide the article that needs to be rewritten and expanded so that I can help you.
July 15,2025
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Maya Angelou's poem is truly and incredibly illustrated by the remarkable Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The combination of their artistic expressions results in a work that is filled with very powerful imagery and words.

Angelou's profound and moving poetry comes to life in Basquiat's illustrations, creating a synergy that is both captivating and thought-provoking.

The vivid and often complex images that Basquiat adds to the poem enhance its meaning and depth, allowing the reader to experience it on a whole new level.

Each stroke and color choice in his illustrations seems to perfectly complement the rhythm and tone of Angelou's words, making the overall piece a masterpiece of collaborative art.

It is a testament to the power of different art forms coming together to create something truly extraordinary.

July 15,2025
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This book is truly intense.

Although the poem is penned as if seen through a child's eyes, it by no means implies that it is light-hearted or simple.

On the contrary, it is dark, and the accompanying paintings are equally so. It can be quite scary.

I'm not sure what kind of reaction a child might have upon reading this (even though I fully intend to read it to my future, hypothetical child - perhaps not right before bedtime, though...).

However, I appreciate the strength and vulnerability that are present within it.

The awareness of the perils in the world, of the harsh reality of those dangers, and the determination not to let oneself be oppressed by that fear.

And yet, on the other hand, there is the understanding that such fear can never be completely escaped because there are terrifying things that must be faced and dealt with.

I truly, deeply love this book.

It is beautiful, both the poem and the art, and it is also very readable (I read it aloud to my husband just last night).

But don't anticipate it to be a read that leaves you with a warm and fuzzy feeling.
July 15,2025
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For those days when you need to remind yourself 'Life doesn't frighten me', this collection of poems is a wonderful resource.

It serves as a reminder for both children and adults to be aware of their fears, but not to let them paralyse them.

When you combine the powerful words of Maya Angelou with the unique art of Jean-Michael Basquiat, you have a winning combination.

The combination of these two iconic figures creates a truly impactful and inspiring work.

A teacher could do great things with this collection.

They could use it in the classroom to teach about facing fears, to inspire students to write their own poems, or to explore the connection between art and literature.

Overall, this collection is a must-have for anyone who needs a little inspiration and motivation to face life's challenges.
July 15,2025
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I have a great affection for the text, which happens to be a poem penned by the renowned Maya Angelou.

However, when it comes to the artwork within the book, it doesn't quite align with my personal taste. The illustrations are composed of rather terrifying paintings.

While such art might seem appropriate within the confines of an art museum, in the context of a children's book, it implies that the book could potentially be too intimidating for very young children.

Thankfully, it is still suitable for older children, who may be able to better appreciate the unique style and perhaps even find some value or interest in the somewhat spooky illustrations.

Overall, despite the mismatch between my preferences and the book's artwork, the presence of Maya Angelou's wonderful poem still makes the book a worthwhile read for those who can handle the slightly eerie visual accompaniment.
July 15,2025
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I am a great fan of Maya Angelou's writing and Basquiat's art.

Maya Angelou's words have the power to inspire and uplift, while Basquiat's paintings are known for their bold and often dark themes.

However, in this book, their "collaboration" doesn't quite work as well as I had hoped.

The positive and inspiring nature of Maya Angelou's poem seems to be at odds with the darker and more complex themes of Basquiat's paintings.

This mismatch makes it a bit difficult for the two to come together in a truly harmonious way.

Moreover, Basquiat's paintings may not be suitable for many younger kids due to their mature and sometimes disturbing content.

Despite this, it's important to note that the effort to combine these two great artists in this way is still a good try.

It shows the potential for different art forms to intersect and create something new and interesting.

Perhaps with a bit more thought and consideration, a more successful collaboration could have been achieved.

Nonetheless, I still appreciate the work that went into this project and the opportunity it gives us to explore the different styles and voices of these two remarkable artists.

July 15,2025
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This book was truly a remarkable piece of work, as it was not just a regular book but a poem. It had beautiful rhymes that made it flow smoothly and effortlessly. The content of the book revolved around the things that someone might be frightened of. However, interestingly, the things mentioned in the book did not seem to have any effect on scaring the character, who was also the author. It appeared as if they possessed great courage or bravery, as they were not intimidated by the very things that would typically frighten others.


The illustrations in this book were extremely abstract. Many of them were presented in either a dark tone color or a bright color, creating a striking contrast. When the picture was white, the page was black, and vice versa when the illustration was dark. The illustrations had a fingerprint-like quality to them, which added to their uniqueness. Additionally, one could easily notice that the first letter of each page was bolded and colored, further enhancing the overall abstract nature of the book. It was truly a visual and literary masterpiece that left a lasting impression on the reader.

July 15,2025
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#SEL #fear #strength

I'm not entirely certain whether this particular work should be placed in the "picture books for older children" section or simply in the normal picture book section. On one hand, the text within it is triumphant, filled with a sense of overcoming and achieving. It seems to convey a message of strength and perseverance in the face of challenges. However, on the other hand, the illustrations are quite dark and disconcerting. They have a certain quality that might make some readers, especially younger ones, feel a bit uneasy. I wouldn't want to label it as just cute because it has this underlying darkness that gives it a more complex and perhaps even a bit spooky atmosphere.

This makes it a bit of a dilemma when it comes to categorizing. It could potentially appeal to older children who are more able to handle and appreciate the darker undertones, but at the same time, the triumphant text might also attract a wider audience. Maybe it's a unique blend that defies easy classification and should be considered on its own merits.
July 15,2025
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This was an incredibly adorable children's book.

It presents a perfect and powerful message that one shouldn't be afraid of anything.

With courage as your companion, you are capable of achieving anything.

Therefore, you should never fear those fake hallucinations because in reality, they have no power to hurt you.

The illustrations within the book were truly amazing.

They brought the story to life in the most vivid and captivating way.

Each page was a visual treat, enhancing the overall reading experience.

Children will surely be drawn into the magical world created by the author and illustrator.

This book not only entertains but also imparts an important life lesson.

It encourages kids to face their fears head-on and believe in their own abilities.

It is a wonderful addition to any child's bookshelf.
July 15,2025
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My new favorite kid's book is truly a remarkable piece.

It features a beautiful poem by Maya Alengou that is both engaging and full of heart. The words flow smoothly, captivating the young readers and taking them on an imaginative journey.

Accompanying the poem is the stunning art by Jean-Michel Basquiat. His unique style and vibrant colors bring the story to life in a whole new way. The illustrations add depth and dimension to the text, making it even more enjoyable for children to explore.

Together, the poem and the art create a harmonious and enchanting experience. It's a book that not only entertains but also educates, inspiring kids to use their creativity and imagination. I highly recommend this book to all parents and kids out there. It's a must-have addition to any bookshelf.

July 15,2025
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I read this book several years ago and was captivated by the simplicity of the poem and the magnificent artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat. I first discovered his art during my high school days. I vividly remember sharing my discovery with other artists, only to find that they had no idea who he was, let alone his remarkable works.


Then, I picked up this book once again. It was after I watched the democratic convention and saw a politician reference Maya Angelou's poem in his speech. I disliked it because he distorted the meaning of her poem to suit his own message. I firmly oppose using art in any form to serve propaganda. After his speech, my interest was piqued, and I decided to explore Maya Angelou's bibliography. I was amazed to see that she had written a plethora of books, especially children's books. So, I decided to invest my time and reread this book to write a review.


I believe this poem is excellent for children as it showcases how, when life gets tough, we humans often become cowards and shy away from our problems. While this may be a normal response when we are clueless about solving our problems, it is not a great decision. This poem helps the reader realize that, indeed, life can be difficult at different stages, but in the end, we must face our problems head-on and look for the silver lining or the rainbow after the storm.


This poem can resonate with everyone, whether you are reading it to your child or as an adult trying to figure out what to do with your personal and professional life. Moreover, with the beautiful artwork serving as illustrations, it makes the entire experience heartwarming and entertaining.


To check out my reviews: http://dancinginth3dark.blogspot.com

July 15,2025
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On the coffee table in my home lies a special item. It is something that people often find themselves drawn to and pick it up.

Many have even asked to borrow it, but that's simply not happening.

This item is a very quick read, which makes it a great conversation piece. It has become a wonderful addition to my Maya collection.

Every time I look at it on the coffee table, it brings a sense of pride and joy.

It stands out among the other items and catches the eye of anyone who enters the room.

Whether it's a guest passing by or myself relaxing on the couch, this item always manages to spark interest and curiosity.

It truly is a unique and valuable piece that I cherish and will continue to keep on my coffee table for all to see.
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