“The book’s vibe, much like its artist subject, is cool and effortless...Alcántara’s lush, watercolor pieces are at their best when they are full-page illustrations that communicate with the audience without words. ”
A rhythmic, striking picture book biography of legendary singer/songwriter/performer Prince.
Before he became a legend, he was just a boy…
On an ordinary day, you could see him. A young boy named Prince Rogers Nelson, who had parents who fought, nowhere to call home, and a collection of memories turned into sound: the shouts of anger, the purr of pigeons, the roar of cars down a busy Minneapolis street, and the whisper of cold wind on budding lilac bushes.
Other sounds joined in as he taught himself to play the guitar, piano, drums, and much more, leading to the day this ordinary boy began to make music—and became extraordinary.
Black Is a Rainbow Color and Choosing Brave author Angela Joy’s exquisite words harmonize with acclaimed illustrator Jacqueline Alcántara’s sweeping art to create a tender, profound look into music icon Prince's early life and the moments that shaped him.
Ordinary Days also includes an extensive author’s note and playlist of recommended Prince songs suitable for young listeners.
Ordinary Days: The Seeds, Sound, and City That Grew Prince Rogers Nelson
Written by: Angela Joy / Illustrated by: Jacqueline Alcántara
Published: by Roaring Brook Press @ Macmillan
ISBN: 9781250797032
Release Date: October 24th 2023
Age: 4-8
““In this visually gorgeous, poetic homage to Prince, readers are introduced to a brilliant musician who often drew on his painful early childhood as inspiration for his work... This is a noteworthy, introductory look at a truly astonishing musician.””
“This is a fresh take, [on the biography] expertly marrying pictures and text to the spirit of legendary musician Prince...A bold biography, finding inspiration from the subject and universalizing Prince’s creativity through a gentle approach.”
“Alcántara’s washes of watercolor echo the text’s progression, starting with more muted blue tones including peeks of Prince’s iconic purple, eventually resolving into a glorious celebration of deep purples as his music develops. Joy’s telling of Prince’s childhood will resonate with young people who use art to find meaning in difficult days.”
“With a palette drenched in purples, effectively contrasted by complementary yellows, Alcántara’s watercolors wash across rainy streets, lonely basements, and crowded dance floors to evoke moods in perfect harmony with the text.”
““A harmony of poetry and artwork””