Not the book I expected. I live in the U.K. and I’m ignorant of much of the culture and history of art, this was someone whose name I did not know.
What is striking is Jean-Michel’s upbringing and the barriers this may place on others reaching their potential, did not hold him back.
Here we must identify not just circumstance or fate but the real difference a loving support family where both parents were able to spend time with their son. He was encouraged to draw and loved to listen to music with his Dad.
He was even forced to spend time in hospital as a young child. His long days of boredom were offset by his mother knowing him so well and feeding his love of drawing by giving him a book on anatomy to develop his expertise to depict the human form.
Life isn’t always sweet and his parents separated and this created division and Ill feeling, but his nurtured talent was there and he found his way to like minded people, and self-expression through street art and graffiti.
Sometimes the brightest stars burn out the fastest.
This incredible young artist and gifted young man died young but his influence lives on.
Now due to getting the book unintentionally I have had my life enriched by his story.
Simply expanded in words and illustration the hallmarks of this wonderful series of books for children. - Young minds may find their own motivation to be the best but before even this I hope parents and teachers, carers and guardians will see what a difference they can have. Making little people, realise their potential by building confidence and sharing their dreams.
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Richard Latham
A real inspiration.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 November 2020Verified Purchase
Marina Abaurrea
So beautiful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 September 2020Verified Purchase
Richard Amelius
Representation Matters But So Does Reputation
Reviewed in the United States on 6 March 2021Verified Purchase
Representation Matters But So Does Reputation
Reviewed in the United States on 6 March 2021
I love that this book exists. I have been teaching young students about the world's most iconic artists for years, and up until now the only JMB children's book I have used is "Radiant Child" by Javaka Steptoe (a gorgeous piece of art itself.) I was very excited to see that the Little People, BIG DREAMS collection was releasing Basquiat's story. But even when reading it to 2nd Graders, they picked up on things that JMB fought against in interviews constantly: being considered a graffiti artist primarily, and having been locked up painting in someone's basement. It also calls Andy Warhol and JMB “great friends” who worked and danced together. Really? It is also a terrible editing oversight to release this book with Al Diaz's name misspelled.Reviewed in the United States on 6 March 2021
That said, I'm happy to see JMB in another book for children and the illustrations are beautiful.
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Jennifer Seaman
another great one!
Reviewed in the United States on 8 July 2020Verified Purchase
Ifkicuc
Bad condition
Reviewed in the United States on 3 November 2020Verified Purchase
