The Purple One - by Matthew Burgess (Hardcover)

About the Book

"From award-winning author Matthew Burgess and debut illustrator Sirin Thada, a picture book biography of music icon Prince, from childhood to superstardom, that crackles with electricity and soul Prince is remembered as one of the greatest musicians and performers of all time. But before he achieved global superstardom, he was a child growing up in Minneapolis, with a universe of music inside him. From his first forays into writing songs with his school friends to his unprecedented three-album record deal at 19, and his surprise hit film Purple Rain to performing at the Super Bowl, Prince was never afraid to blaze his own trail-creating something entirely new, entirely free, and entirely PRINCE that would shape music and culture and resonate with audiences for generations to come"--

Book Synopsis

From award-winning author Matthew Burgess and debut illustrator Sirin Thada, a picture book biography of music icon Prince, from childhood to superstardom, that crackles with electricity and soul

Prince is remembered as one of the greatest musicians and performers of all time. But before he achieved global superstardom, he was a child growing up in Minneapolis, with a universe of music inside him. From his first forays into writing songs with his school friends to his unprecedented three-album record deal at 19, and his surprise hit film Purple Rain to performing at the Super Bowl, Prince was never afraid to blaze his own trail--creating something entirely new, entirely free, and entirely PRINCE that would shape music and culture and resonate with audiences for generations to come.

Review Quotes

STARRED REVIEW! ★ "In this oversized and luminous tribute to Prince, Burgess tells the comprehensive story of a multi-talented icon, from childhood to worldwide fame. Prince led a complicated life and a selective retelling, with emphasis on his singularity, persistence, and musical gifts feels like the right decision... Sirin Thada's full-page, watercolor illustrations tell an engrossing and creative tale. Filled with bold colors (purple is a recurring element), they also embrace unconventional perspectives while providing a realistic look at Prince's life... These touches will make the story come alive, even for kids who are new to Prince's music... There's a lot of adult Prince fans out there who will thrill at the chance to share his talent with their kids... His story will be an inspiration to music lovers of all ages."-- "Youth Services Book Review"

One of School Library Journal's "28 Picture Book Biographies for Black History Month and All Year"

One of the Horn Book's "7 picture book biographies celebrating Black excellence"

"A salute to a musical genius with a uniquely independent spirit... Prince's meteoric career offers an example that will entice readers with big, creative dreams of their own. A soaring drive to inspire, with appropriately hued art and prose."

-- "Kirkus Reviews"

"[A] glowing picture-book biography of the iconic Prince Nelson Rogers aka The Purple One aka The Artist aka Ƭ̵̬̊ aka Prince... Thada's illustrations elevate the proceedings with true artistry, with the kind of dynamic presentation and colorful flourish befitting of the subject matter. A vibrant story that will inspire young artists and music historians."-- "Booklist"

"A fascinating and vivid picture book biography of music icon Prince. The work traces his journey from childhood to superstardom with an electric narrative. Dynamic... Readers may or may not know of Prince, but they will love discovering a person who forged a unique path to superstardom and created a distinctive style that reshaped music and culture. VERDICT: For music collections, biography, or even Americana, this book lends itself to story hours and certainly as an icebreaker for conversations on style, substance, and marching to the beat of a different drummer."-- "School Library Journal"

"A lyrical and accessible text illuminates Prince's artistry, highlighting the obstacles he overcame and painting a compelling picture of his resilience... Thada's illustrations enrich the narrative with vibrant, textured images that seem to dance alongside the words. Her use of bold purples, blues, and gold brings Prince's electrifying stage presence and his more introspective moments to life. One spread shows Prince mid-leap, diving off the stage into the audience, conveying the energy and intimacy of his live performances. Thada also includes visual nods to Prince's memorable outfits that longtime fans will appreciate."-- "The Horn Book"

"Burgess employs brief anecdotes to detail Prince's personality and arc toward stardom... What comes through is Prince's hard work and creative vision... In Thada's colorblock shapes and velvety textures, a memorable closing spread depicts Prince as a child sitting on pillows atop a piano bench, across the gutter from an adult Prince playing for a packed-out crowd--connecting Prince's adulthood with his childhood as a 'small kid with enormous talent.'"-- "Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Matthew Burgess is a poet, professor, and children's book author. He teaches at Brooklyn College and is a teaching artist in New York City public schools. He is also the author of, among other titles, Enormous Smallness: A Story of E.E. Cummings; Drawing on Walls: A Story of Keith Haring; Make Meatballs Sing: The Life & Art of Corita Kent; and Sylvester's Letter. He lives with his husband in Brooklyn and Berlin.

The daughter of Thai immigrants, Sirin Thada was born and raised in Baltimore, and has been making art since childhood. Most recently, she was the in-house illustrator for Catapult magazine, and has been published in the Washington Post, Guardian, TIME magazine, and more. She currently lives and works in NYC along with her husband, scientific artist Jason Brougham, and their adorable rescue pup, Indie. The Purple One is her picture book debut.