Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

Edited by award-winner Sara Jane Boyers, the picture book Life Doesn’t Frighten Me features the work of two legendary artists—poet Maya Angelou and artist Jean Michel Basquiat—“a powerful exploration of emotion and its expression through the careful blend of words and art” (School Library Journal).

Dr. Maya Angelou’s unforgettable poem is matched with the daring art of Jean-Michel Basquiat in this powerful ode to courage.

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

Angelou’s brave, defiant poem celebrates the courage within each of us, young and old. From the scary thought of panthers in the park to the unsettling scene of a new classroom, fearsome images are summoned and dispelled by the power of faith in ourselves.

Angelou’s strong words are matched by the bold vision of artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, whose style reveals the powerful emotions and fanciful imaginings of childhood. Together, Angelou’s words and Basquiat’s paintings create a place where every child, indeed every person, may experience their own fearlessness.

This brilliant introduction to poetry and contemporary art features brief biographies of Angelou and Basquiat and an afterword from the editor. A selected bibliography of Angelou’s books and a selected museum listing of Basquiat’s works open the door to further inspiration through the fine arts.

Presented as an impassioned ode to courage, the late poet Dr. Maya Angelou’s 1993 poem in this handsome anniversary edition will inspire a new generation of brave readers, no matter the challenge. Young readers will be inspired by poetry, by art, and by the tremendous talent of these two legendary creators in one beautiful picture book.