Jean-Michel Basquiat

Little People, BIG DREAMS

by Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara, Luciano Lozano (Illustrations)

Jean-Michel was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father was from Haiti and his mother was Puerto Rican–American. As a child, his gift for art was noticed by his teachers and nurtured by his mother. After struggling in high school, he gained recognition as part of the graffito duo SAMO that spray-painted cryptic messages and images around the landscape of Manhattan's Lower East Side. He eventually made his way to the New York gallery scene and on to international acclaim. This moving book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant artist's life.

Genres: Art, Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Childrens, History, Biography Memoir

32 pages, Hardcover

First published June 2, 2020

About the author

Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara, born in Barcelona, Spain, is a writer and creative director perhaps best known as the author of much of the Little People, Big Dreams series. Each book tells the childhood story of one of the world's female icons in an entertaining, conversational way that works well for the youngest nonfiction readers, allowing them to identify with the characters in each story.


You may find books from the "Little People BIG DREAMS" series on author page - https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Hilary · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series is confusing, the events in the story and the timeline contradict each other. The story does not mention his death at all, the timeline mentions he died young. I don't see how you can leave out the fact that he died from a drug overdose at the age of 28. From the illustrations it looks as though Basquiat and Warhol are a couple which they weren't. The illustration that shows them dancing at a disco is awful, such a cheesy picture. I don't understand why the book shows him only enjoying his life, every illustration of him has a massive smile, very confusing for a child to then learn he was very unhappy, deeply troubled and had drug problems. The information at the back is really lacking. When a factual book is about an artist I think some examples of their work should be included with the information, but there isn't any examples of his work. I found this very dissapointing.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

This series is always a joy to read, it’s a really nice introduction to well known people for little children. Of course the plot is always a little bit fast but that’s to be expected and it’s totally understandable.
This book here is about Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist who fundamentally changed the way we make art and also what we consider as such. His influence on street art culture and graffiti was very important. It was nice to see his devotion to art since a very young age and also how encouraged he was by his own mother to pursue his dreams. Also, I liked how the book also touched upon his friendship with another famous artist, Andy Warhol.

[Subashini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and heartwarming in these anxious times. The artwork is--as it always is in this series--stunning, inviting one to linger over the details and return to the images over and over. The images of him and Warhol are particularly lovely. I've always loved Basquiat's work and I can imagine that any child in love with colours and art (and which child isn't, really) would love to page through this book. Including adult children.

[Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good entry in this popular series. The artwork was fitting for Jean-Michel’s style. It can also be used to start age-appropriate conversations on social issues.

This unbiased review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I hadn't heard of Jean-Michel Basquait and after reading this I am totally intrigued! This might not be how Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara intended for her books to be used (you know, educating adults), but it definitely made me learn something! I am impressed!

This incredible man is an artist, and he started out small! Initially he liked music and drawing and reading! He used an anatomy book he was given by his Mother to hone his drawing skills, and eventually he became very famous for his incredible works.

I love this quirky little series. It's a non-fiction, picture book series featuring famous people and how they got to where they are. The pictures are always adorable, the stories are sweet and simplistic and it's packed full of useful knowledge! You might even learn a new face or two (like I have been whenever I pick up these books!).

I think there's something in this series for everyone. Not only will kids enjoy it, but parents will get a kick out of the new facts they learn or even just from picking up an educational book instead of just that Frozen picture book their child makes them read constantly.

Overall, I'm over the moon with this series and want to read as many of them as I can! I really enjoy them!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Quarto Group for providing me yet another copy of this marvelous series in exchange of an honest review.

[Sharah Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite Little people, Big Dreams book in the series due to the way Jean-Michel died. (Not mentioned in the story, of course) I still found this story about the well know artist interesting. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for my digital copy.

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography for kids is about Jean-Michel Basquiat, a very talented artist who became known for his amazing graffiti. Despite personal challenges he was well-known for his talent.

The Little People, Big Dreams series is a great series for young children to learn about the great people who came before them. If you have children or grandchildren who want to learn about the past, you will like this series.

I received a free copy of this book from Frances Lincoln Children's Books and the authors via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

[Aimee Dars · Rating 4 out of 5]

Self-taught graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquait created bright, passionate, and energetic art that championed social justice and celebrated a diversity of experience. He gained fame at a young age, dating a then-unknown Madonna and befriending Andy Warhol, but struggles with drug addiction ultimately led to his untimely death at twenty-seven.

In the eight years he was active, Basquait was incredibly prolific, and he left an enduring legacy with his body of work, uniquely identifiable with its signature brush strokes, bold color, and inclusion of words and phrases.

The bestselling Little People, BIG DREAMS written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara never disappoints me. Jean-Michel Basquait, illustrated by Luciano Lozano, tells Basquait’s life story in an abbreviated form and in language appropriate for children aged four to seven. An illustrated timeline and a short biography for adults follows the text. I loved the illustrations depicting Brooklyn of the 1960s, and Basquait and Warhol on a dance floor under a disco ball is priceless.

I do think the brief segment on Baquait’s teen years are a little confusing. At thirteen, his mother began a process of entering and leaving mental institutions, and he ran away from home at fifteen, though was back in his father’s care within a week. When seventeen, he dropped out of high school, and his father turned him out of the house. After that, Basquait found City-As-School, an alternative school. Much of this is included in the biography at the back of the book, but in the main text, the order of events is ambiguous, and it sounds like he dropped out of high school before he ran away. It might also have been instructive to include, at least in the biography, the fact that in May 2017, a Basquait painting sold for $110.5 million, the highest price commanded thus far by an American or black artist.

As in the other books in the series, Basquait came from unlikely beginnings to make a significant cultural impact. Not only is his story inspiring, it is too little known. This is a great introduction to his life and work, and I would certainly recommend it for anyone with young readers.

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love the Little People, Big Dreams series and eagerly dove in to read about Jean-Michel Basquiat. This was a person I had not heard of and was quite interested in his life and role in the art world. Basquiat was instrumental in the graffiti art movement, eventually becoming friends with the infamous, Andy Warhol. The illustrations were amazing in this book, giving it an artsy feel as well as blending well with the text. I enjoyed learning about Jean-Michel Basquiat, yet after reading this book, I felt that I still did not know much. I went online to find out more and was surprised to read about his troubled life and death. I can see why this short biography did not include those details as it is written for young children, but it felt a bit sanitized. I would definitely recommend older children find out more about this artist and recommend this book as a starting point to find out if this subject is one that interests a young reader to do further research. The inclusion of a short timeline at the back of these books is also something I really like. As always, I recommend this book to public and school libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own.

[Martina · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The ‘My First Little People, Big Dreams’ series provides informative and inspirational biographies about people who left a mark on this earth, no matter what difficulties they have encountered.
These stories are very short, but that’s because they’re books for children, so it’s totally understandable.
I think they are a very smart and wonderful way to introduce little children to such important figures.
This little one here is about Jean-Michel Basquiat, one of the most influential graffiti artists. I love street art so much, so I already knew about him and his art. His works are pretty unique and very very beautiful. I loved the introduction this book gives to little people about this great artist.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute little biography! I read this book to my two daughters, aged 5 and 9. My 5 year old loved the illustrations and enjoyed the story telling style of the biography. My 9 year old daughter enjoyed the biography and it peaked her interest in Jean-Michel Basquiat and his art work. We had to go explore his art further after reading!

[Natalie all_books_great_and_small · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Another beautiful read in the Little people, big dreams series that I've fallen in love with.
This book gives an age appropriate short biography of the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat from being a young boy to adult. I loved the artwork in this book telling his story and found it very befitting to his artwork style too.
This is a great book for children who love art or creativity and is an inspiration to look to too.

[Ula · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5 🌟 Playful and charming biography

Little People, Big Dreams are short books for children about exceptional people who shaped our world. They're enjoyable pieces of non-fiction to enjoy by children. I love biographies of people who dared to be different, and these short books are one of my favorites.

What I especially like about the series ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ are simple and friendly illustrations to make children feel it was truly made for them. 'Jean-Michel Basquiat' was illustrated by Luciano Lozano who did a great job creating playful and charming cartoonish artworks.

I love reading about new things along with my son and the life of Jean-Michel Basquiat was a learning curve for both of us. Even if this short book is destined for children, it contains a lot of information concentrated on an encyclopedic-style page at the end. Most importantly, everything is put in a simple and small kids-friendly way that also speaks to adults. Another must-have to my collection!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and feelings are my own.

[Liliana Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know much about art, so I didn't know Jean-Michel. But I liked it. It is good to see books that address the most diverse outstanding personalities in each area.

[thewoollygeek (tea, cake, crochet & books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition from Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, this one I didn’t know too much about so it’s great to learn things you didn’t know. These books are great for little people, but they also teach big people new things too. Wonderful illustrations as always and well written.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the books in this series and I couldn’t wait to read this one on Jean-Michel Basquiat (mainly as I will be 100% honest – I had no idea who he was!)

I love that these books give an insight in to the back stories of some of the most influential people in the world. The Little People, Big Dreams series is one I always look out for.

This book introduced me to Basquiat who sounds like a fascinating character and I did go online after finishing the book to read more about him too so it worked for me as an adult too.

I really enjoyed it, 4 stars from me, highly recommended!

[Bonnie DeMoss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This biography for kids is about Jean-Michel Basquiat, a very talented artist who became known for his amazing graffiti. Despite personal challenges he was well-known for his talent.

The Little People, Big Dreams series is a great series for young children to learn about the great people who came before them. If you have children or grandchildren who want to learn about the past, you will like this series.

I received a free copy of this book from Frances Lincoln Children's Books and the authors via Netgalley. My review is voluntary.

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Vivienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

My thanks to Quarto Group - Francis Lincoln Children’s Books for a temporary digital edition via NetGalley of ‘Jean-Michel Basquiat’, written by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and illustrated by Luciano Lozano, in exchange for an honest review.

This little book is intended for children aged 4-7 and is part of its publishers acclaimed ‘Little People, BIG DREAMS’ series that introduces young readers to the lives and works of significant people including scientists, writers, artists, political figures and the like via books and educational games.

I requested this to review as I only recently became aware of Jean-Michel Basquiat when I read a recent biography of Andy Warhol. Jean-Michel was an innovative street artist who came to public awareness in New York City during the late 1970s. He then made the transition to gallery artist during the 1980s. Sadly, he died young in 1988, which is mentioned in the timeline at the end though the creators are sensitive to the ages of its readership so no mention of how he died.

As usual, Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara is able to distil the essential elements of her subject’s life into a few lines of text concentrating on the childhood influences. For Jean-Michel receiving a copy of Grey’s Anatomy at the age of seven while recovering from an accident inspired him to focus on human anatomy in his art. While much of his art is Neo-Expressionism and Primitivism, he once quipped: “Believe it or not, I can actually draw.”

He also said that he wanted to make paintings that looked like they had been made by a child. That must have shut up his critics! After I read this little book, I spent some time browsing Jean-Michel Basquiat’s work online and was very impressed. This proves that this series can also be educational for adults, even if intended for children.

I loved Luciano Lozano’s bright, playful illustrations and especially the image of Jean-Michel happily dancing with his friend and collaborator, Andy Warhol.

As always with this series I am happy to recommend it to any parent, teacher, or librarian. Also, they make lovely gifts.

[Sarah Hudson · Rating 4 out of 5]

My little girl and I love reading the “Little People, Big Dreams” series together, so I was excited to see one on someone that I didn’t know much about. As ever, the artwork was fabulous and the story was just right for my daughter in terms of complexity and pace. However, I didn’t feel like either of us was as engaged as usual, perhaps due to the fact that we didn’t learn as much about him as we learned about other “little people” in the series. Despite being a little scant on details, it did make me go online to find out more about Jean-Michel Basquiat, showing that the series can work for adults as much as children!

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children’s Books for the arc to review.

[Shauna Morrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested and received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley and the Quatro Group in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was not my favorite Little People, BIG DREAMS book but that is because I am not very interested in art or artists. That said this was still a great book about the short life of Jean-Michel Basquiat and the statements he made with his art and the influences he has on art today.

[Jaime M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever books. Able to tell stories to children of famous people without the messy details.

[evi · Rating 3 out of 5]

cute, jde to na mou poličku dětských knih

[Glynnis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has been one of my favorites - love the series, art, and information.
Little Man really loves this one, too - he is always mentioning Jean-Michel.
I had to laugh about the section where Jean-Michel and Andy Warhol were "dancing" at all the "fun parties" in the 80s.

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually the Little People, Big Dreams illustrations are bright and bold, and for a subject like Jean Michel Basquiat, you’d think the illustrator would have reflected a more free and easy neo-expressionism or even incorporated scribbles or collage into this one.

Instead it featured one of the more conservative, realistic portrayals that I’ve seen in the series, and one of the more somber palettes. Every brick in the Brooklyn buildings are painted individually—something Basquait never would have done.

As usual , though, the story features childhood influences of renowned people, and I loved that JMB’s inspo was the Grey’s Anatomy book.

[Jes Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was not aware of the art of JEan-Michel Basquiat. Another great addition to the nonfiction biography series. The illustrations captured the spirit of this artist. A good addition to school and public libraries with younger readers.

[J. d'Merricksson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Vegara's Jean-Michel Basquiat takes a look at this titular, talented artist. After an accident at age eight, he developed an interest in human anatomy that eventually led to his becoming an artist. The end of the book contains a more detailed look at Basquiat's life, using language suited for much older readers. Perfect for libraries, and classroom learning. I read this with my cubs. We love this series! Highly recommended!

***Many thanks to the Netgalley & Quarto Publishing for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jean-Michel Basquiat is someone I had never heard of so I was intrigued to find out a bit about him in the Little People, Big Dreams series.

As with all of the amazing people in the series Jean-Michel Basquiat has achieved a lot in his life but he also seems to have gone through a lot more than most in his personal life. It was inspiring to see how he followed his dreams even when times have been tough and used this as an inspiration for his art. It's great to see a less common form of art represented in the book as it will inspire children that they can dream big just like him even if it isn't common.

The illustrations are lovely and great to see just how busy his life had been and to help children see the kind of art he liked to create. The timeline at he end is interesting to read about from a more realistic point of view. This is a great addition to the series and I'm sure it will inspire many children to follow their dreams too.

[Jessica (Spooky KidLit & We Who Walk Here, Walk Alone) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vibrant, expressive art filled with depth and warm humor partners with inspirational text celebrating Jean-Michel Basquiat's unique talent and ambition. Young readers will learn about the importance of believing in yourself and finding like-minded people to support and challenge you, and they will delight in the story of this iconic artist.

[Laura Duffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book about someone I had never heard about but very influential in the art world. Very interesting to learn about Jean-Michael and how he started as a graffiti artist and became part of a movement. So fascinating to learn about his art style with mixed medium, this could be very inspirational for children.