“People describe him as radiant, wild, genius child, but in his heart he is king, so he draws crowns for himself and others he admires.“
Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat | 
“People describe him as radiant, wild, genius child, but in his heart he is king, so he draws crowns for himself and others he admires.“
In this book, acclaimed illustrator Javaka Steptoe's vibrant narrative and bold artwork, reminiscent of Basquiat's own style, introduce young readers to the profound idea that art doesn't always conform to neatness or cleanliness—and certainly not within the lines—to be considered beautiful.
pickJean-Michel Basquiat rose to prominence in the 1980s with his distinctive, collage-style paintings, creating a cultural sensation that was unparalleled in the art world. However, before achieving fame, he was a young boy who discovered art in various forms: within poetry books and museums, through games and the language we use, and in the vibrant pulse of New York City.
“And at his most important shows, above all the critics, fans, and artists he admires, the place of honor is his mother's, a queen on a throne. He is now a famous artist!“
The illustrations are very unique and will keep readers of all ages engaged. I do think it is written more for younger readers as it is very to the point about the different experiences in his life. I think this could be used as a read-aloud to teach students that no matter where you come from or what your dreams are, you can get to where you want to be.
pickThis biography is about Jean-Michel Basquiat and how he grew up in Brooklyn and always wanted to become an artist. Follows his life as he moves out and into NYC and has to couch hop because he cannot financially support himself. The story is told in the third person and details all of the hardships he endured but finally came out as a household name. There is also a great detailed description to learn more about him at the end of the book.
As Jean-Michel grows older, he visits his mother when he can, always bringing his artwork to show, telling her that one day it will be in a museum, “WHEN I AM A FAMOUS ARTIST.“
This book is eye opening for many children. This gives children hope that their dreams can come true if they work hard towards their end goal. Supporting yourself around people who support your dreams and goals is a huge motivational boost.
pickRadiant Child by Javaka Steptoe. Caldecott Award Winning Medal. Jean-Michel Basquiat is a young boy who has a dream of becoming an artist. He drew pictures of everything he saw and he did it all on the floor of his home. He always would tell his mother that his drawings and sketches would end up in a museum some day.
pickCaldecott Medal 2017
Review:
This story has incredible artwork. It follows the story of a young child wanting to create art throughout hardships, and has a focus on art not always having to be tidy or just like everyone elses.
Blurb:
This would be a great book for 2-6. It tells the story of Basquiat
Quote:
“His drawings are not neat or clean, nor does he color inside the lines. They are sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird, but still B E A T I FU L.“
“ART is the street games of little children, in our style and the words that we speak. It is how the messy patchwork of the city creates new meaning for ordinary things“
This book could be used in the classroom to discuss following your dreams. I think dreams can sometimes feel far away, but reading this book makes dreams feel achievable. This book could also be used to discuss changes in life. For example, when his mother gets sick, Jean-Michel uses his art to get his emotions out.
pickRadiant Child by Javaaka Steptoe was published in 2016. It is a Caldecott Award Winning Book in 2017. The book follows the story of Jean-Michel a young aspiring artist in Brooklyn, later known as SAMO. The colorful, unique illustrations help readers depict how Jean-Michel is feeling as the story progresses. This book discusses how Jean-Michel used art and following his dreams to get through different hardships and relationships.
This Caldecott and Coretta Scott King award winning book tells the story of Jean-Michel Basquiat, an artist I dearly admire! This book would be great for a read aloud or reader‘s theater! UDL principles 8.3 and 8.1. ESOL strategies #8 and #4 #ucflae3414sp21
pickThis book won a Caldecott Medal and is definitely deserving of that. The collage-style artwork is completely unique and stunning to look at. This book would be a great book to show and inspire children to think outside the box and not always follow what everyone else is doing.
I would use this in my future classroom because it is a great resource to talk about creativity and how art doesn't have to be anything like anyone else's.
“They are sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird; but somehow still beautiful”
“They are sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird; but somehow still beautiful”
I would use this in my classroom to encourage students to use their creativity in their artwork.
pickThis award winner was a very enjoyable book. The images do a good job of showing how the artist felt during his youth. The illustrations are unique and help extend the text.
“They are sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird; but somehow still beautiful”
I say this for a lot of the stories, but the illustrations in here are something special.
pickthis is a diverse book about a real artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat. It is filled with vibrant pictures, and shows his early life, and his steps to success. The story follows him as he makes his way to fame.
“They are sloppy, ugly, and sometimes weird; but somehow still BEAUTIFUL”
I loved this book! Amazing illustrations and a great story. plus in the back of the book their are real facts about the famous artist!
pickThis book is a Caldecott award winning book by Javaka Steptoe. It is about Jean-Michel Basquiat a real artist. This book shows cultural diversity and shows children that no matter where they come from they can achieve their dreams
Reading Grey's Anatomy changed Jean-Michel Basquiat's art. #charactersreading
pickWhen I was growing up Basquiat and Harring were the kings of NYC‘s street artist scene. This picture book does an adequate job introducing children to his life an work. ⭐️⭐️⭐️
pick⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️! 2017 Caldecott Award Medal
pickRadiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat by Javaka Steptoe is a Biographical book about the artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. Steptoe tells of Basquiat's childhood in Brooklyn and his dream of being an artist. He describes Basquiat as being so dedicated that he often refused to sleep until he created a masterpiece.
pickA #picturebook biography of Puerto Rican Haitian American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. You have to look elsewhere if you want to see examples of his actual work, but Steptoe's artistic interpretation is great. Also a touching story about having a mother with mental illness. And the crowns in this book made me think of Litsy stickers. 😀 #WeNeedDiverseBooks
pickRadiant Child by Javaka Steptoe won the Caldecott medal this year, for good reason. It is a picture book biography of the early life of American artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and is so beautifully painted on wooden blocks and panels with so much color and texture.
pickI am very into art and visit museums as often as possible. With that being said, when you introduced us to this book in class, I instantly knew I had to read this book. This B was an extraordinary look into the life of the late and great Jean-Michel Basquiat. It encourages kids to be creative and unique. Learn more about Javaka Steptoe here: http://www.brooklyn.cuny.edu/web/news/bcnews/bcnews_161214b.php. #ucflae3414sp17
My daughter finally got her copy of this year's Caldecott winner! A gift from my dad, retired teacher.
He asked me if she was getting too old for the Caldecott next year. When I asked her, she said "No Way!" The Newbery will have to wait! ?
pickAwesome. Amazing artwork, and a well-written picture book biography. The art is phenomenal - inspired by its subject. I loved that this taught my children, and me, about an artist we didn't know much about, and it raised questions that were the catalyst for some great discussions about mental illness, drug addiction, and graffiti, just to name a few. Totally deserving of the Caldecott.
Pretty sure no children's books about black artists were available when I was a kid. Maybe none about women...heck, maybe none about artists, period! #jeanmichelbasquiat #art #childrensbooks #illustratedbooks #arthistory #blackhistory #blackhistorymonth
We were fortunate to have an event with the talented Javaka Steptoe who, consequently, just won the Caldecott medal! His wonderful book "Radiant Child" is vibrant, inspiring, & contemplative, and I'm looking forward to sharing it with future family.
What's with the tent, you say? That would be the #UBSAuthorTent (i.e. a children's play tent I use for author photos at the store). Javaka was a great sport. #caldecott #RadiantChild #indiesfirst
2017 Caldecott winner
2017 Coretta Scott King illustrator award
Coretta Scott King Illustrator award!
pickSome of the most beautiful art I have seen in a picture book. All of his illustrations are painted on discard wood first. And this book tells the story of an artist that I have not heard of but now want to know everything about him.
Just beautiful, y'all!
