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Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream
A rhythmically told and vibrantly illustrated picture book biography of Dolly an American icon beloved by all.
You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen.
With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.
You’ve likely heard of the performer Dolly Parton. But do you know where this dazzling songwriter and musician draws her roots? As one of twelve children growing up in rural Tennessee, Dolly was determined to be seen and heard. From her front porch to her church choir, every stage was an opportunity to perform and share her many talents. While balancing farm chores with schoolwork, Dolly never lost sight of her dreams, composing her first song at age five and performing at the Grand Ole Opry at age thirteen.
With lilting language and vibrant artwork, this childhood story captures the unique gifts of Dolly Parton, while also honoring the measures of her resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published June 7, 2022
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
April 23, 2023
“ Find out who you are, and do it on purpose”
This is a glorious picture book biography. Anyone who loves music needs to read it. It is Such an interesting narrative on Dolly and her life and music career. Back matter is filled with additional facts. Highly recommended.
This is a glorious picture book biography. Anyone who loves music needs to read it. It is Such an interesting narrative on Dolly and her life and music career. Back matter is filled with additional facts. Highly recommended.
August 29, 2022
I am a fan of the adult Dolly Parton, especially due to her Imagination Library, but I didn't know much about her childhood. I loved reading about Dolly's determination, the obstacles she overcame, and the uncle who helped Dolly turn her dream into a reality.
July 30, 2022
I’ve loved Dolly and her music all my life. She’s been a great role model for woman and girls and I was ecstatic to read this biography and get to know her better. Author McGrath has done a wonderful job of showing us the little girl Dolly was full of energy and song and charm and perseverance. She was clearly a girl who didn’t come from a lot of money but was rich in family with love and talents. I love how she never took “NO” for an answer on her way to getting her music played and to sing on stage. I love how she followed her dream and never gave up until she played at the Grande Ole Opry. The writing and telling of Dolly’s story is superb and lively with just the right notes of heart and humor. A Must-Read!
October 3, 2022
Even as a little girl, Dolly loved to sing and make up songs. When her siblings weren't her audience, she was happy to perform for the chickens and the pigs. She sang in church, and she listened to the Grand Ole Opry on the radio, dreaming to sing someday. Although she was teased at school for being poor, she turned those feelings into songs. As she got older, she traveled with her Uncle Bill to Nashville hoping to sing on the radio or TV. She kept hoping and dreaming and writing songs.
A nice story about Dolly's childhood. Includes more information about Dolly and the Grand Ole Opry, along with some of her most famous quotes, a bibliography and some websites. I didn't love the illustrations, I found her big eyes strange.
crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
A nice story about Dolly's childhood. Includes more information about Dolly and the Grand Ole Opry, along with some of her most famous quotes, a bibliography and some websites. I didn't love the illustrations, I found her big eyes strange.
crossposted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
August 9, 2025
Nice book about Dolly’s early life with pretty art. The art doesn’t try to look too much like Dolly Parton, but I think that works better than something more realistic, though I do feel like the pictures of the interior of the house didn’t really give the feel of a one room cabin. I did see the Coat of Many Colors movie a few years ago so I was somewhat familiar with Dolly’s origins and I think people who like her will enjoy this book. It’s worth rereading just to check for butterflies in the pictures, I didn’t think about that until the author’s note at the end mentioned her love of sparkle and butterflies. I really liked the page of Dollyisms at the end, some great quotes from her worth repeating.
June 7, 2022
A fabulous kid-friendly biography of an incredible country superstar. The story focuses mostly on Dolly’s childhood, showing how she found her passion for singing and performing very early on and how she wouldn’t give up until she’d followed her dream all the way to the Grand Old Opry and beyond. The story is beautifully written and packed with southern charm, including phrases like “Deep in a holler of the Great Smoky Mountains…“ and “When the Parton family had time to sit a spell…” A wonderful tribute to an inspirational woman who proved that when you persevere in doing what you love, dreams can and do come true.
June 10, 2022
A toe tapping, knee slapping, child-friendly story about the one and only, Dolly Parton! This story will take you right to the Appalachian mountains where Dolly grew up. Robyn McGrath’s fantastic writing portrays Dolly’s spunk, passion for singing and performing, and unending perseverance, which helped her achieve her dream of singing at the Grand Old Opry when she was only thirteen. The bright illustrations highlight Dolly’s sparkly personality and the joy she brought to the world with her beautiful voice, lovey lyrics, and kind, generous heart. This beautiful tribute to Dolly Parton will encourage kids to persevere to make their own dreams come true.
June 11, 2022
This is a heartwarming and inspiring story of guts and perseverance, hope and hard work. Dolly Parton wasn't always the country superstar we adore, but from the time she was a small child, music and stories filled her heart, and she was determined to share them, from joy to heartbreak, wonder to worry, with those around her. She'd sing to her siblings - and when they weren't listening, she'd sing to the creatures on her family's farm.
All those rhinestones and platinum hair are really just a small reflection of the dazzling, light-giving star that is Dolly Parton. Both author and illustrator have brilliantly captured her fire and sprarkle.
All those rhinestones and platinum hair are really just a small reflection of the dazzling, light-giving star that is Dolly Parton. Both author and illustrator have brilliantly captured her fire and sprarkle.
September 12, 2022
An inspiring story that teaches young readers that if they their hardest even their biggest dream may come true. This was an enlightening tale of her rise to stardom by her strong will and dedicated family. I was unaware that Dolly was just thirteen years old when she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, nor that she was one of twelve siblings!
SLJ suggests this book for grades 2-4. I liked the clear imagery that brought to life the story of Dolly's childhood. The back of the book features a short biography, along with some of her famous "Dollyisms".
I've always loved: "I've always been misunderstood because of how I look. Don't judge me by the cover 'cause I'm a real good book!".
SLJ suggests this book for grades 2-4. I liked the clear imagery that brought to life the story of Dolly's childhood. The back of the book features a short biography, along with some of her famous "Dollyisms".
I've always loved: "I've always been misunderstood because of how I look. Don't judge me by the cover 'cause I'm a real good book!".
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June 4, 2022Dolly Parton is a bonafide legend, and in this sparkling debut picture book, readers get a wonderful glimpse into her formative childhood years in which she dreamt big, worked hard and never gave up. Author Robyn McGrath's perfectly lilting, lyrical prose transports readers into young Dolly's world, from her humble Appalachian roots to her debut at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry when she was just 13. With bursting, vibrant illustrations by Ellen Surrey, this biography is "sweet, soulful, and something fierce" just like Dolly herself. Bonus back matter includes "Dollyisms". A dazzling book!
June 20, 2022
In a world full of uncertainty, it can be hard to let dreams soar. "Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream" reminds all readers how important it is to believe in our dreams and work hard against all odds to make them reality. Robyn McGrath's biography of Dolly Parton makes a wonderful gift for readers of all ages. Ellen Surrey's colorful illustrations bring us up close and personal into the fabric of Dolly's hometown, family, and talents. One of my favorite musical talents sings on the pages of this lovely picture book.
November 19, 2022
This is an inspiring and beautifully illustrated picture book biography depicting the childhood and rise to stardom of Dolly Parton. Dolly, who was the fourth of 12 children, wanted to become a performer and be on the stage at the Grand Ole Opry. Dolly’s Uncle Bill recognized her talent, got her on a local, weekly variety show and made trips to Nashville in pursuit of her dream. You can learn more about Dolly's life, the Grand Ole Opry, and some of Dolly’s quotes or “Dollyisms” in the back section of the book.
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
Reviewed by: Liz Glazer, Youth and School Services, Vernon Area Public Library
February 14, 2023
"Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream" is a beautifully illustrated children's book that tells the inspiring story of Dolly Parton's journey from a poor girl growing up in the mountains of Tennessee to becoming a beloved country music icon. The book emphasizes Dolly's determination, hard work, and love for music, as well as her commitment to giving back to her community through her Imagination Library program. Overall, "Dolly!" is a heartwarming and empowering read for young readers and fans of Dolly Parton alike.
June 16, 2022
This picture book biography of an iconic American, Dolly Parton, truly sings. The lyrical text weaves a melody of musical vocabulary, and the bright illustrations pop off the page. Readers will enjoy following along as Dolly’s determination and perseverance help her overcome many obstacles in her singing career. A true gem of a book showing how one artist remained true to herself to achieve her dreams.
July 9, 2022
My daughters and son LOVE reading about Dolly Parton in this riveting picture book biography. Surrey's illustrations and McGrath's words combine to bring the story of Dolly Parton's passion and determination to young readers. Children and adults alike will be inspired by Dolly's dreams realized. A read aloud or read alone to be enjoyed again and again, this bio is a must-have for all personal, public, and school nonfiction library collections.
July 23, 2022
I’ve always been an admirer of Dolly Parton. Her guts, glamor, and gumption have been a guiding light for artists over the past few decades. But I loved getting to see how she made it to that first big stage and then beyond. I never realized the hardships she endured as a kid, and how young she was when she first performed at the Grand Ole Opry! Kids will love the pictures and the message; no matter how young you are, you can accomplish great things!
September 15, 2022
Dolly! is a wonderful introduction to young fans who aren't familiar with Dolly Parton, and a lovely keepsake for adults who love Dolly. The book shares the story of her childhood, how she connected to music at an early age, and the long road and persistence that got her in front of an audience. The vibrant and joyful illustrations mirror Dolly's spirit and are a perfect match for the text. This book immediately made me want to listen to Dolly's music. I highly recommend it!
October 3, 2022
Text wise I think this is the best (of several) Dolly Parton biographies I’ve read this year. I wish the actual text talked more about everything she did beyond her music career.
The artwork is a strange style. I think it’s sort of going for mid century animation but it’s weird particularly around the eyes. Speaking of, Dolly’s eyes change to a darker blue by the end compared to the early shots of her as a baby. Which I guess happens but also???
Backmatter more info on dolly, note about the opry, page of dolly isms, book and website sources.
The artwork is a strange style. I think it’s sort of going for mid century animation but it’s weird particularly around the eyes. Speaking of, Dolly’s eyes change to a darker blue by the end compared to the early shots of her as a baby. Which I guess happens but also???
Backmatter more info on dolly, note about the opry, page of dolly isms, book and website sources.
July 14, 2022
A charmingly written and adorably illustrated look into the life of one of America’s greatest musicians. This biography is perfect for children interested in researching Dolly Parton, who want to get the story behind the music. The illustrations by Ellen Surrey are sweet and fun, and bring to mind the mid-century illustrations of books I grew up with.
July 21, 2022
I loved learning more about Dolly Parton, especially her childhood, and how she overcame challenges she faced growing up by dreaming big and singing proudly. This story provides beautiful inspiration for children that if you believe in yourself, work hard, you can achieve your dreams. The story is told with rhythm and musicality, mirroring the bright personality of Dolly herself.
August 2, 2022
Looking for a #pbbiography to read to inspire grit in young readers? May I recommend Dolly! by @robynmcgrathwrites. This life story of music icon @dollyparton highlights her childhood struggles and shows how she overcame obstacles to succeed in a major way! This story will inspire your kids to dream big and shoot for the stars and is perfect for #sel learning.
August 6, 2022
DOLLY! is a perfect picture book biography for children: McGrath traces the roots of Dolly Parton's career to her childhood dream, an idea that young readers can completely relate to. Vibrant, dynamic illustrations paired with elegant, musical writing make for a gem of a picture book celebrating young Dolly's courage and tenacity to follow her dream.
August 15, 2022
A colorful picture book biography about the legendary singer. Follows Parton through her impoverished childhood to her eventual stardom. A story of peresvenance and dedication. My child is not a Dolly fan, but she did like the story. Her favorite part was how Dolly's hair got bigger as she got older, LOL.
March 22, 2023
I love Dolly, and this tells her story well, in a kid-friendly format, but those illustrations gotta go. The look like the ones in Night Before Christmas cartoon that was one when I was a kid:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208654/...
Yeah, that one. Pointy hair and big, weird eyes.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0208654/...
Yeah, that one. Pointy hair and big, weird eyes.
August 5, 2022
This summer seems to be the time for children's picture biographies. This one surprised me as I wonder how many young children would be interested, but it does give a quick background for any fan.
I did not like the drawings, particularly those of Dolly which I found downright scary.
I did not like the drawings, particularly those of Dolly which I found downright scary.
August 25, 2022
I’m a big Dolly fan, but this book was just not very good. And what’s up those incredibly creepy illustrations (especially of young Dolly!). I am going to try to sleep without nightmares of those huge scary blue eyes…
October 26, 2022
What a delightful book! Kids and adults will be inspired to read about our beloved Dolly and how she persevered and believed in herself to make her dreams come true. We can all do the same. This book with adorable, bright pictures and a perfect story that shows we can do anything!
January 15, 2023
What a joy it is to learn more about the much-admired icon, Dolly Parton! Robyn’s beautiful storytelling, combined with Ellen’s vibrant illustrations, come together in an engaging biography that will inspire and engage readers of any age!
January 29, 2023
This book was so cute and the illustrations were absolutely incredible! It was a bit longer so probably not great for the younger grades as a read-aloud but 2nd-4th graders would probably enjoy reading this on their own if they are at all interested in Dolly Parton or country music.
March 15, 2023
A great biography that focuses so much on Dolly’s childhood (This helping to make a connection to the intended audience!) with bright, expressive illustrations that really showcases Dolly’s smile! Lovely back matter as well!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews