Two of the most important and powerful talents in recent American history have come together to create a remarkable story for the youngest among us. This collaboration aims to empower and engage children in a truly special way. The result is an essential piece of work that has the potential to have a profound impact on the lives of young readers.

The combination of these two talents brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the table. Their story is sure to captivate the imaginations of children and inspire them to dream big. It is a tale that is not only entertaining but also educational, teaching valuable lessons about life, love, and perseverance.

For parents and educators, this work is a must-have. It provides a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the world of literature and to encourage them to develop a love for reading. With its engaging storyline and beautiful illustrations, it is sure to become a favorite among children of all ages.

Beautiful words.

They dance on the pages, enchanting the reader with their grace and charm.

Beautiful lady.

She is the embodiment of elegance and allure, captivating our hearts with her presence.

Wonderfully illustrated.

The paintings are like magical windows, transporting us to a world of beauty and imagination.

They go together perfectly, creating a harmonious symphony of words and images.

A lovely book to pick up and pour over.

It is a treasure trove of inspiration and delight, waiting to be discovered by those who seek beauty and wonder.

Whether you are looking for a moment of relaxation or a source of creative inspiration, this book is sure to satisfy.

So, go ahead and pick it up, and let the beautiful words and illustrations carry you away on a journey of the senses.

Absolutely beautiful.

It is as much poetry as it is affirmation.

It is as much affirmation as it is a children's book.

But if we're being honest, what's the difference anyway?

This piece of work seems to blur the boundaries between different literary forms.

Is it a poem that offers affirmation? Or is it a children's book that is written in a poetic style?

The beauty lies in its ambiguity.

It allows the reader to explore and interpret it in their own way.

Maybe it doesn't matter what we call it.

What matters is the impact it has on us.

It makes us feel good, it gives us hope, and it reminds us of the power of words.

Whether it's poetry, affirmation, or a children's book, it is a wonderful creation that should be cherished.

OH, this book. It holds a special place in my heart. I truly love this book. It is one of the poems from my very first-day-of-poetry-unit. :D

Every time I pick it up, it takes me on a wonderful journey through the world of words and emotions. The beautiful language and the unique rhythm of the poem make it a joy to read.

I can feel the author's passion and creativity shining through each line. It inspires me to explore my own creativity and express my thoughts and feelings in a more profound way.

This book is not just a collection of words, but a source of inspiration and a reminder of the power of poetry. I will always cherish it and keep it close to my heart.

As a picture book designed specifically for children, the harmonious blend of a poem penned by Maya Angelou and the captivating artwork created by Jean-Michel Basquiat is truly a sight to behold. The poem is of such a nature that children, or indeed anyone for that matter, can effortlessly identify with it. It delves into the profound theme of confronting our inner demons and the numerous challenges that the world throws our way. Basquiat, on the other hand, was an absolute master when it came to depicting these demons in his art.

Just as the book itself is a work of art, the biographies of these two remarkable artists provided at the end add an extra layer of depth and interest. They vividly reflect both the arduous difficulties and the glorious triumphs that each of them faced and lived through. It showcases how the individual experiences of these artists contain elements that are universal, speaking to the human condition as a whole.

This picture book not only entertains children with its beautiful illustrations and engaging poem but also offers valuable insights into the lives and works of two extraordinary artists. It serves as a reminder that we all have our own demons to face and that through perseverance and creativity, we can overcome them and achieve great things.

I am still not entirely certain that I fully understand Basquiat. His works seem to be a complex and enigmatic blend of various elements that often leave me pondering. However, when it comes to Angelou, I feel a deeper connection. Her words have the power to move me, to touch my soul.

The mix of these two artists in my perception is an interesting one. It's as if they represent different aspects of the creative spectrum. Basquiat's bold and vibrant paintings contrast with Angelou's profound and lyrical writings.

Perhaps this mix is what makes art so fascinating. It allows us to explore different styles, mediums, and perspectives. It challenges us to expand our understanding and embrace the diversity that exists within the artistic world.

I look forward to delving further into the works of both Basquiat and Angelou, hoping to gain a more comprehensive understanding of their unique contributions to the art form.

A beautiful poem by Maya Angelou, with delicious illustrations by Jean-Michel Basquiat.

The translation is cool, fun, and light, perfect for reading with a child nearby. I would have loved to have read it when I was little ♥️ I just wanted more extra material, perhaps a preface, to give the book a bit of a boost. Otherwise, it's impeccable, like everything that Ms. Angelou touches ♥️

This combination of Angelou's powerful words and Basquiat's vibrant art creates a truly captivating experience. The simplicity of the translation makes it accessible to young readers, while still maintaining the essence and beauty of the original poem.

The illustrations add another layer of depth and charm, bringing the words to life in a unique and engaging way. It's a book that can be enjoyed by both children and adults alike, sparking imagination and inspiring a love for poetry and art.

Overall, it's a wonderful addition to any bookshelf and a must-read for fans of Maya Angelou and Jean-Michel Basquiat.

This is an inspired coupling of the powerful words of Angelou and the striking paintings of Basquiat.

Angelou presents us with a simple yet profound poem that delves into the themes of fears, bravery, and ultimately, the discovery of fearlessness and faith within ourselves.

These words are here expertly matched and enhanced by the childlike and vivid style of Basquiat's art.

The combination of his bold colors, unique symbols, and expressive forms adds a new dimension to Angelou's poetry, making it even more impactful.

It's a mix of words and images that is not only powerful and intelligent but also highly accessible and engaging.

Whether you are a lover of literature or art, or both, this collaboration between Angelou and Basquiat is sure to leave a lasting impression and inspire you to look within and find your own courage and faith.

I truly love this book.

It contains a beautiful message that has the power to touch the hearts of its readers.

The illustrations or paintings within its pages are simply amazing. They bring the story to life in the most vivid and captivating way.

Each image seems to tell a story of its own, adding depth and dimension to the overall narrative.

The combination of the beautiful message and the amazing illustrations makes this book a real gem.

It is a book that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Whether you are looking for a book to read alone or to share with others, this one is definitely worth checking out.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story and beautiful art.

"Life Doesn’t Frighten Me At All" by Maya Angelou is a remarkable poetry and novels in-verse children's literature book.

It centers around the idea of being fearless and resilient in the face of obstacles or adversity. The book presents various things that would typically scare people, such as "lions on the loose" and "panthers in the park." However, the main message is to be brave and not let these things intimidate you.

Although it may seem extreme to encourage bravery when there are actual lions around, the book effectively gets its point across. It emphasizes that regardless of your fears, you should always confront them head-on without hesitation and remain strong.

This book is truly a "WOW" for me. Not only does it feature powerful themes through Maya Angelou's poetry, but it also pairs beautifully with Jean-Michel Basquiat's art. Fears are often associated with a "scary" feeling, and Basquiat's illustrations capture this perfectly. The distinct illustrations complement the poetry, creating a memorable experience for children.

The repetition of the phrase "life doesn’t frighten me at all" adds significant weight to the message. Each time it is said, it seems to build a certain level of confidence.

The fears listed in the book are common among many children. The "protagonist," which we can assume is "us" since it is written in the first person, is not limited by any stereotypes, race, age, or other factors. The poem solely focuses on the themes of bravery, fearlessness, and resilience.

The various fears are highly relatable to children from all backgrounds and locations, making the book more inclusive. Additionally, the lack of mentions of identities or stereotypes within the book means it is free of bias and accessible to a wide range of people.

Overall, "Life Doesn’t Frighten Me At All" is a wonderful book that combines engaging poetry and captivating art to deliver an important message about facing fears with courage and strength.

I absolutely love this book!

The way in which the beautiful words are juxtaposed with the violent art is truly amazing.

It creates a unique and captivating reading experience that leaves a lasting impression.

I have found a wonderful use for this book in my classroom.

At the beginning of the year, I use it as a tool to engage the kids and make them feel safe.

I give each kid a "magic stone" and tell them that it will keep them safe during times when they may feel frightened.

The kids love this idea and it helps them to feel more secure in the classroom.

Overall, this book is a great addition to any classroom or personal library.

It not only provides an interesting read but also has the potential to have a positive impact on the lives of the readers.

I highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a unique and meaningful book.

I saw this remarkable book on the bookshelf behind a commentator during a TV news program.

I'm truly eager to explore and observe bookshelves and rooms as everyone Skypes or ZOOMs from home into shows. I follow the RoomRater Twitter account and frequently compare and contrast my own judgments. Commentators often showcase special, beloved books with their covers facing forward as a means to convey their values and tastes. And there it was, this book, proudly standing out on a crowded shelf filled mostly with dry academic volumes. I quickly took a photo and enlarged it until I could read the title. How could I possibly resist getting it for myself?

First, there's the poem by the incomparable Maya Angelou. Her words paint vivid pictures: Shadows on the wall, noises down the hall, yet life doesn't frighten her at all. Bad dogs barking loud, big ghosts in a cloud, still no fear. Mean old Mother Goose, lions on the loose, they hold no sway. Dragons breathing flame on her counterpane, not a worry. She goes boo, makes them shoo, has fun as they run. She won't cry, so they fly. She just smiles and they go wild. Life simply doesn't frighten her. Tough guys fight alone at night, panthers in the park, strangers in the dark, none of it scares her. That new classroom where boys pull her hair and kissy little girls with curly hair, not a deterrent. Don't show her frogs and snakes and expect her to scream. If she's afraid at all, it's only in her dreams. She's got a magic charm up her sleeve that allows her to walk the ocean floor without having to breathe. Life doesn't frighten her one bit.

Now, onto the paintings by Jean-Michel Basquiat. There are T-rexes with big teeth, bears, dogs, and humanoids that resemble mechanical robots. They're not sweet by any stretch...but then again, Angelou's images aren't sweet either. I believe kids, who have a penchant for weird things, will pore over these illustrations and perhaps even copy them in their own art. Both the poem and the pictures are fierce, as a declaration of courage should be.

The book was originally copyrighted in 1993. Basquiat unfortunately passed away from a drug overdose in 1988, so the art wasn't designed specifically for this project. I assume it was chosen by the editor, Sara Jane Boyers. Angelou was still alive when the book was designed, but I can't determine if she participated in the selection of images to match the words. I truly hope she did...because the whole book is greater than the sum of its art and words. It's a new masterpiece that reminds us to be brave, to face life head-on. Even in these uncertain times.

If I were ever to ZOOM into a national news program, I could do no better than display this cover, with its T-rex, teeth, and crown, as a statement of my own philosophy of life.