April Jones Prince

April Jones Prince is a Lecturer in Literary Arts and Studies at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). A veteran children's book author and editor with over 25 years in publishing, she specializes in picture books and literacy education. Her work bridges creative writing, historical storytelling, and educational outreach.

• Education:
  • BA in Journalism and Mass Communication (with honors), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Certificate in Publishing, Radcliffe (now Columbia) Publishing Course

Her research interests focus on children's literature, particularly picture books that integrate history and literacy development. She explores historical fiction, fractured fairy tales, and biographical narratives for young readers.

Prince has received recognition for her contributions to children's literature, including:

• Bill Martin, Jr. Picture Book Award Nominee for You Are a Reader!/You Are a Writer!
• Child Magazine Best Book of the Year for What Do Wheels Do All Day?
• New York Public Library's One Hundred Books for Reading & Sharing for Twenty-One Elephants and Still Standing

As an educator, she mentors students on book projects and speaks at conferences and elementary schools. Her upcoming book In This Library (Macmillan/Roaring Brook Press, 2026) continues her work in this field.