by Kandiss Edwards
February 28, 2026
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith stated she made selections in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for younger readers.
A youngsters’s biography of music icon Prince was simply launched to hold the Purple One’s legacy to the subsequent era.
Written by creator Nikki Shannon Smith and illustrated by Don Tate, Prince: A Little Golden Guide was produced for younger readers. The 24-page youngsters’s biography was revealed in January 2026 as a part of the Little Golden Guide Biographies collection. 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 instructor, stated she labored for about two years to condense the musician’s life and profession right into a format appropriate for kids ages 4-8. Launched by Penguin Home, 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 Guide is described as a celebration of “fearless self-expression.”
“Prince was born with a rare present. It was the present of music, and he would quickly share it with the world. Learn 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 model 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. Occasions embrace story time, a drawing demonstration, and dialogue geared toward encouraging youngsters to pursue their pursuits.
In creating the biography, Shannon Smith stated she made selections in describing Prince’s life that balanced accuracy with age-appropriate language for younger readers. Her intent was to ensure 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 advised Star Tribune.
Different notable stars have been part of the Golden Guide collection, together with Girl Gaga, Elton John, The Beatles, Taylor Swift, and Beyoncé. Solely the second Black individual to grace the listing, Prince is a becoming addition. His contribution to rock, R&B, and pop music is immeasurable and can hopefully endure for many years to return.
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