February 28, 2026
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith mentioned she made selections in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for younger readers.
A kids’s biography of music icon Prince was simply launched to hold the Purple One’s legacy to the subsequent technology.
Written by creator Nikki Shannon Smith and illustrated by Don Tate, Prince: A Little Golden Book was produced for younger readers. The 24-page kids’s biography was revealed in January 2026 as a part of the Little Golden Book Biographies sequence. It tells the life story of Prince Rogers Nelson from his childhood in Minneapolis to his rise as a generational artist.
Shannon Smith, a longtime Prince fan and retired elementary college trainer, mentioned she labored for about two years to condense the musician’s life and profession right into a format appropriate for kids ages 4-8. Released by Penguin House, the story of Prince’s life was gleaned from listening to his albums and viewing video and tv appearances, the Star Tribune reported. In its official description Prince: A Little Golden Book is described as a celebration of “fearless self-expression.”
“Prince was born with a unprecedented present. It was the present of music, and he would quickly share it with the world. Read the inspiring story of a real musical genius—from his childhood in Minneapolis to creating timeless hits like “Purple Rain” and “1999.” This biography celebrates Prince’s boundary-breaking artistry, his fearless self-expression, and his enduring affect on music, trend, and tradition.”
Illustrator Don Tate recreated and reimagined the life and iconic moments of the Icon within the fashion of basic fairytales.
Shannon Smith and Tate will seem within the Twin Cities on Friday, Feb. 27, on the Ramsey County Library in Roseville and at Black Garnet Books in St. Paul. Events include story time, a drawing demonstration, and dialogue aimed toward encouraging kids to pursue their pursuits.
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith mentioned she made selections in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for younger readers. Her intent was to verify younger readers understood the message of Prince’s life: following your ardour can result in greatness.
“Hopefully, they’ll come away considering: ‘I can do considered one of my favourite issues once I develop up. I may be nice at one thing,” she informed Star Tribune.
Other notable stars have been part of the Golden Book sequence, together with Lady Gaga, Elton John, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Only the second Black particular person to grace the list, Prince is a becoming addition. His contribution to rock, R&B, and pop music is immeasurable and can hopefully endure for many years to come back.
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