Prince-Inspired Children's Book Celebrates Icon's Legacy

Author and illustrator team up to bring Prince's story to young readers

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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A decade after Prince's passing, an author and illustrator have collaborated on a new children's book that celebrates the iconic musician's life and legacy. "Prince: A Little Golden Book" is a 24-page illustrated biography that aims to introduce Prince's unique artistry and inspirational message of self-acceptance to young readers.

Why it matters

Prince's music and persona had a profound impact on a generation, showing that being different was a strength, not a weakness. This new children's book provides an opportunity to share Prince's empowering story with the next generation and inspire them to embrace their own individuality.

The details

Author Nikki Shannon Smith, a self-proclaimed Prince superfan, worked on the project for two years, initially pitching it to the publisher in 2024. After the initial rejection, the publisher changed course and decided to move forward with the book, seeing it as a fitting tribute for the 10th anniversary of Prince's death. Illustrator Don Tate was brought on board after the publisher saw his online drawing of Prince. Both Smith and Tate drew personal parallels between their own journeys and Prince's message of self-expression.

  • The book was published in February 2026, just ahead of the 10th anniversary of Prince's passing.
  • On January 27, 2026, the author and illustrator visited the Roseville Library in Minnesota for a book reading and signing event.

The players

Nikki Shannon Smith

The author of "Prince: A Little Golden Book" and a self-proclaimed Prince superfan who worked on the project for two years.

Don Tate

The illustrator of "Prince: A Little Golden Book" who was brought on board after the publisher saw his online drawing of the iconic musician.

Black Garnet Books

A bookstore in Minneapolis that may have signed copies of the "Prince: A Little Golden Book" available.

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What they’re saying

“I've always admired his uniqueness, his commitment to excellence. Just how prolific he is and how raw his musical ability was, and his ability to be himself.”

— Nikki Shannon Smith, Author (cbsnews.com)

“Condensing this huge personality with a vast career, distilling that down for children could digest, with a cohesive theme of being yourself, being unique, speaking up for yourself and other people, if you do all of those things and dream big, you can be anything.”

— Nikki Shannon Smith, Author (cbsnews.com)

“I was also a very shy kid. Words were not my way of communicating. Illustration, drawings, pictures were my voice. I loved Prince's uniqueness, the different styles of hair and outfits, that was me.”

— Don Tate, Illustrator (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The book is expected to be available for purchase anywhere books are sold, including potentially signed copies at Black Garnet Books in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

This new children's book on Prince's life and legacy provides an opportunity to introduce the iconic musician's message of self-acceptance and individuality to a new generation of young readers, inspiring them to embrace what makes them unique.