
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the 'monsters' in their world, whether they are imaginary nighttime shadows or very real schoolyard bullies. This powerful poem provides a rhythmic, empowering mantra for children to assert control over their fears. By personifying things like barking dogs, scary movies, and even the 'new classroom' jitters, the text transforms fear into something that can be stared down and dismissed. While the poem is a celebration of bravery, its true magic lies in the juxtaposition of Maya Angelou's rhythmic, defiant words with Jean-Michel Basquiat's raw and edgy artwork. It is a sophisticated yet accessible tool for building resilience and self-confidence in children ages 4 to 8. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's anxiety while simultaneously providing them with the internal voice needed to say, 'Life doesn't frighten me at all.'
Your experience helps other parents find the right book.
Sign in to write a reviewThe book deals with fear and intimidation. The approach is metaphorical and artistic. Basquiat's illustrations can be perceived as 'gritty' or 'messy' by adults, but they resonate with a child's raw emotional state. There is a mention of 'panthers in the park' and 'big ghosts,' which are treated as things to be conquered rather than truly dangerous entities. The resolution is realistic: the fears don't necessarily go away, but the child's reaction to them changes.
An elementary student who may appear shy or anxious about new experiences, or a child who is currently experiencing a phase of nighttime fears. It is also excellent for the 'artistically inclined' child who finds comfort in unconventional, expressive art.
Read this book cold to capture the rhythm, but be prepared to discuss the art. Some children may find Basquiat's skeletons and distorted figures interesting, while others may find them 'weird.' Framing the art as 'brave painting' helps. A parent might reach for this after hearing their child say, 'I'm scared to go to sleep,' or 'I don't want to go to school because the kids are mean.'
A 4-year-old will focus on the literal monsters and the fun of shouting the refrain. An 8-year-old will pick up on the social fears, like the 'strangers in the dark' or being laughed at, and find strength in the speaker's stoicism.
This is a rare marriage of two titans of African American culture. It treats a child's fear with the weight of fine art and high poetry, refusing to sugarcoat the existence of scary things while providing a peerless model of mental strength.
Unlike a traditional narrative, this book is a visual and rhythmic performance of a single poem. The speaker lists various fears: shadows, barking dogs, dragons breathing flame, and tough guys in the park, repeatedly asserting their lack of fear. The poem moves through external, physical threats to internal, social anxieties like being laughed at or facing a new school, ending with a triumphant declaration of self-possession.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.