Life Doesn’t Frighten Me is a narrative poem by Maya Angelou, with accompanying images from Jean – Michel Basquiat and edited by Sara Jane Boyers. The poem focuses on everyday images or noises that can make us scared, such as “shadows on the wall / noises down the hall / bad dogs barking loud.” On every page of the book we can see Angelou’s words paired with a painting by Basquiat, similar in tone and context. With every scary event described by Angelou she always ends with the bold, self-encouraging statement of “life doesn’t frighten me at all.”
In this poem, it places the reader as the main character and is told through his or her point of view. The combination of Angelou and the young modern artist, Basquiat was an odd choice when it comes to children’s books. However, Basquiat’s use of stick figures and vibrant colors provides insight into the mind of a child and this is exemplified when paired with the text. Basquiat originally created these images using paint, oil stick, pastels, and ink.
The paired artistic styles of both artists provide both a place where adults can revert to their childhood and where children can mature and battle their own fears. Both young and mature readers can find meaning behind the poetry and the images within this book.
Angelou, Maya, and Sarah Jane Boyers. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me. Illustrates copyright © The Estate of Jean – Michel Basquiat. New York: Stewart, Tabori & Chang, 1993.
No comments:
Post a Comment