Jean-Michel Basquiat

Incredible kids biography about an amazing artist. Can’t wait to have my students read about Basquiat!

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.

I can't say enough about this series! Simple without being overly so. Great illustrations and the perfect amount of information for little learners! We look for these books every time we visit the library. Another excellent addition to the series!

I think this entry into the series did a good job of presenting Basquiat's story in a way that is appropriate for young kids but still gets the main points of his life across.

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.

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

Another great book in this series. Small details make such a difference - I loved the pattern in his mother's dress and the image of the graffiti with the bridge in the background.

I love how accessible the stories are for kids and wish that they'd been around when I was a kid.

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Loved this short biographical board book about the inspiring life of artist Jean Michael Basquiat. The Author writes a summary of his life painting a picture of a young, poor regular boy who is so inspired by his surroundings that he makes it his life work. Loved it!

I absolutely adored this book - and in particular the illustration style. It was beautiful - especially the New York scenes, which were utterly evocative of the place they were depicting. There is a scene where Jean-Michel and his mother are in a gallery, and it's immediately obvious which gallery they're in despite the artwork and characters remaining the focal point. The depiction of the passing of time, and changing fashions, is also wonderful. By the time Jean-Michel is in his own studio, his creative space feels alive on the page. I wasn't expecting to enjoy a children's picture book as much as I did - this was glorious.

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!

This book is an excellent illistration of a fraction of the life of jean-Michel Basquiat, that gives enough information that an older reader may want to look more into the life of the artist, while not being too long as to make children lose interest.
Unlike some of the other books that I have read in this series, I entered this book without knowing too much about the person being described, however I don't think this hindered my reading experience in the slightest. The colour pallette that was chosen for the artwork within the book really suited the tone of the story. Highly recommend

Again, this is a picture book biography of a person I never heard about. Kind of sad that I heard about Andy Warhol, but not about this artist. But then, it's a fun way to discover new stories.

The first time I have had the feeling that a lot of story was compressed and that it doesn't necessarily fit into the format. On the plus side, reading this book intrigued me and now I want to go out and learn more about this person, which should be the reaction to a short introduction, I guess.

I believe that the art style of this book is my favourite from all the different ones I've read in this series so far, and I hope that we'll get more from this illustrator in the future.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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.

Jean-Michel Basquiat is spotlighted in this latest edition of the Little People, BIG DREAMS series by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. This series is such a delight and the perfect way to educate not just kids but everyone about historic and cultural icons. I have always been a huge fan of Basquiat's art so I couldn't wait to learn more about his life. This book, though designed for children, taught me about Basquiat's parents, his start in graffiti, and even his friendship with Andy Warhol. Luciano Lozano illustrates this installment and does an exquisite job. I absolutely loved Lozano's art style and appreciated how it further helped tell Basquiat's story. I love collecting these books and am so thrilled to add this one to the rest of my collection.

Inspiring addition to the series

Jean-Michel Basquiat was an important African American artist in the late 1970s and the 1980s. He had quite a lot of hardships to overcome, and ultimately died an untimely death at just 27 from a heroin overdose. This book depicts his early life growing up and eventually becoming an artist inspiring millions. The book is beautifully illustrated with colorful, detailed pictures of Jean-Michael growing up in NYC and contains a short biography at the end. A story to inspire kids (and adults) to follow their passion.

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.

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!

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

I always look forward to reading the latest entries in this wonderful series that features little people with big dreams.  This time Ms. Vegara Sanchez is writing about the artist Basquiat.  She is joined by the illustrator who contributes a great deal to the look and feel of this title.


Young readers will learn that Jean-Michel loved art from the young age of four.  He found his calling early in life.  Children will learn that he had his own unique contributions to make to the art world and that he became close friends with another well known artist, Andy Warhol. 


Kids who read this book will know that art can be made in many ways.  That is a good lesson to learn along with the reminder to follow one's passion.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

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.

I thought this was a great book about such an influential artist. It was presented in an easy way and is a great introduction to biographies. It is great for classrooms and homes and for any children learning about art and artists.

I didn't know who Jean-Michel Basquiat was going into this book, which doesn't happen often with Little People, Big Dreams. It was a nice change to learn about some from history along with my kids.

Absolutely fantastic.Honestly I had never heard of this person but this book msde me want to know him better.
A very simple story of a small boy who gives art a new meaning.A very lovely addition in the series.

Facing adversity, overcoming obstacles, integrating different mediums into your artistry, and influencing change - this book has it all. Jean-Michel did not have an easy childhood, however he did not let that stop him from pursuing his dreams. There is much to be learned from this talented artist, and his story is a great one to show how art doesn’t have to be something specific. Perfect story to spark creativity.

Received e-ARC for unbiased review.

Jean-Michel Basquiat by Isabel Sanchez Vegara is another fantastic children's book in the Little People, Big Dreams series.
This one is about Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York. and became the famous graffiti street art movement pioneer.
This lovely book is very colourful throughout and I found this little book full of easy to read, with great Illustrations throughout this small book.

It's one you should definitely buy for your little readers so they can learn about this man. Especially as this book includes extra facts
at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of the brilliant artist's life.

Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group/ Frances Lincoln Children's books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

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.

An eye-opening book for young children about a pioneering artist. Even I had no idea that he knew Andy Warhol!

I received an electronic ARC from The Quarto Group through NetGalley.
This entry in the Little People, BIG DREAMS series is a hit. Sanchez Vegara captures the energy and drive of Basquiat from childhood on. The illustrations capture his style as well. This book shares who he is for elementary level readers. It gently approaches the troubled times in his life and brings out his passion for his art and poetry.

Jean-Michel Basquiat was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Puerto Rican mother and Haitian father. He was always interested in art, When recovering from an accident, his mother gave him a copy of Gray’s Anatomy, sparking his interest in art of the human form. As a teenage4, her was part of a graffiti duo that became famous in New York. He went on to create artwork of everyday people.

This book describes Jean-Michel Basquiat’s life in detail, but in easily understood language for children. The illustrations are well done.

As an educator, I would recommend this book to children to see that they can do big things. Everyone can make a difference.

Thank you to the Quarto Group and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book brings us the life story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, the painter and graffiti artist who died at very young age, leaving behind him huge impressive works. As lovely as all the other books in this series, this one also brings the artists life story to the smallest of the readers and helps acquaint them with the man and his art.
The section at the end highlighting the special years in his journey and some of his important works is very informative.

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.

I love the little people, big dreams books. They are well written, tell a delightful true story in an age appropriate way and have beautiful illustrations.

This is a wonderful introduction into teaching children about art. My daughter loved seeing Jean-Michel's art represented in the illustrations. I would love to see more of these books written about artist's. I didn't know much of his story before this book, but I will be looking for more to read about him!

The publisher made a copy of this book available on Netgalley. The thoughts and opinions here are my honest review.

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.

Another great "Little People, BIG DREAMS" book and what a treat it was! Beautifully illustrated, easy to read and a joy to behold - I absolutely recommend to get a printed hardback! A treat for a child (or an adult - especially a fan of art!). A great introduction to one of the artists of the Twentieth century.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy of the book for free in exchange for a fair review.

Another fantastic book from the Little People Big Dreams series. This book on Jean-Michel Basquiat is particularly good as it sheds light on a figure that most likely would be neglected within the history books that children would typically read. My 5 year old son loved it, as he does the rest of the series, particularly because he is a budding artist himself. Beautiful illustrations again and I would not hesitate to recommend.

Please note we are not permitted to write bookseller reviews on waterstones.com whilst on furlough. As such, I will post this review on our website on my return to work.

I love this series, and hearing about Jean-Michel Basquiat was really interesting! I like how these books display all kinds of people, so children can find inspiration from someone one way or another! Lovely art on every spread!

I've read a good many of these mini-biographies for children, and enjoyed nearly all of them. This one is no exception. It tells the story of this renowned American artist of artist of Haitian and Puerto Rican descent.

Illustrated nicely by Lozano, the book covers the growth of the artist from his early days drawing at the age of four, through his introduction to human anatomy via a book he read when he was sick one time, to his rebels years, and his later collaborations with Andy Warhol. Even someone who died tragically young can have a lasting influence on what comes later.

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.

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.

Cute book with amazing illustrations. I also learned some new things about Jean-Michel Basquiat. Will probably get this book and others in the series for any future children or nieces and nephews.

An adorable and insightful look into the life and career of Jean-Michel Basquiat, very interesting to read and good for all ages and audiences.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have been waiting a long time for a great picture biography of Jean-Michel Basquiat to be published. Exposure to different kinds of art has been something I have emphasized to my students. They are trying so many ways to express themselves, and this biography will surely give them something to think about!

Children can learn about the artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat in a very approachable way. His life is presented simply with beautiful illustrations. I especially loved how New York was represented on the pages. It really brought the story to life. What a beautiful addition to this series!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing this ARC.

I really love this series! Great illustrations Thank you Quarto Group, Frances Lincoln Children's Books and NetGalley for the ARC.

I think this be my favourite book in the series so far!! I loved the detail in the illustrations and learning about someone who was so influential but that I hardly knew about.

Fantastic edition to a superb series!

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.

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.

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!

This book had beautiful old-timey illustrations that evolved as the book went on. I had heard of the artist before, but didn’t know much about him. This was an informative read that provides a good amount of detail while still prompting the reader to seek out more information on the artist.

An accessible, child-friendly introduction to a talented artist, who sadly died too soon.

The book, like others in the 'Little People, Big Dreams' series, uses beautiful illustrations and accessible language to tell the story of how young Jean-Michel Basquiat became interested in art, and expressed himself through his graffiti and paintings. The double-page timeline, with 'real' photographs of Jean-Michel was a welcome addition to the biography. It was great to read about him and the book has definitely inspired me to learn more about his life and unique artwork.

Thank you to the publishers, author and NetGalley for providing me with an e-copy in exchange for an honest review.

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.

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.

I am so glad this book series exists. The illustrations are gorgeous and they are such an easy and fun way to get very young children interested in history early on while inspiring them with stories of little people who have changed the world in their own ways.

I absolutely loved this edition to the Little People, Big Dreams series. It is by far one of the best. Thank You to Netgalley and the publisher fro providing me with a digital review copy.

What a stunning book. Both beautiful illustrations and an interesting story. As part of set it would be lovely to highlight less well known stories of people who have overcome challenges

A great gift for a child. It would be a lovely keep sake for a birthday or similar

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.

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.

Jean-Michel was 8 years old when his mother gave him a book on the human figure. He practiced drawing it as a result of this gift. As a teenager he became a graffiti artist on the walls in Manhattan’s Lower East Side leaving messages. And. Drawings. He eventually got known on the New York art galleries. He met Andy Warhol and became great friends with him.

Besides the illustrations and the extra facts at the end of this book, I found it made me interested to know more about the artist. I think that that book has the ability to make a child want to know more about the artist and more. By more, I think a child might want to try his hand at producing art. The author did an excellent job writing his story.

A beautiful tribute to the unique artist Jean-Michel Basquiat.
I am a big fan of this series but I particularly love this little book for the vivid illustrations and for the portrayal of such an eccentric yet so important and unique artist.It is a great way to introduce art and personality to the little ones!