What do you think?
Rate this book
Dazzlin' Dolly: The Songwriting, Hit-Singing, Guitar-Picking Dolly Parton
This inspirational and dazzlin’ story of Dolly Parton—noted singer, songwriter, and humanitarian—follows her rise to fame, from her beginnings in East Tennessee to performing to thousands at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.Dolly is a little girl with a BIG voice. Music fills Dolly’s heart so plumb full she has to let it out! She’ll even sing to her cornhusk dolls or a pen full of pigs. She makes her own drum from a pot and her own guitar from a broken mandolin. But what Dolly dreams of is performing for a real audience—people who would hear her sing, and applaud! And when she gets her big break at age ten, the soul-singin’ and big-dreamin’ Dolly discovers she’s scared to sing on stage in front of all those people. Will she summon up all of her courage and make it to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville? Young readers will learn about Dolly’s early history, her endless creativity, and her plucky perseverance in this entertaining picture book that’s perfect for fans of all ages.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 20, 2022
About the author
Suzanne Slade
163 books131 followersSibert honoree author of more than 150 books for chlldren.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
May 11, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Dazzlin' Dolly is a short biography for children about the amazing Dolly Parton and her dream and persistence to make her dream come true.
This biography starts when Dolly was born - from a large family who were very poor that they had to put newspaper on the walls to cover the cracks sending drafts through their home, all the way to how she made it as a singing star! I love Dolly Parton - she's one inspirational woman with fierce determination and a heart of pure gold. Not only does this book share her story with children today but it also inspires them to chase their hopes and dreams and not let anyone put them off or take them away from them. With hard work and determination we can achieve all we ever want and more!
The illustrations are fabulous in this book and both the illustrations and wording of the story are very country and very Dolly! Definitely a book all children should get to read!
Dazzlin' Dolly is a short biography for children about the amazing Dolly Parton and her dream and persistence to make her dream come true.
This biography starts when Dolly was born - from a large family who were very poor that they had to put newspaper on the walls to cover the cracks sending drafts through their home, all the way to how she made it as a singing star! I love Dolly Parton - she's one inspirational woman with fierce determination and a heart of pure gold. Not only does this book share her story with children today but it also inspires them to chase their hopes and dreams and not let anyone put them off or take them away from them. With hard work and determination we can achieve all we ever want and more!
The illustrations are fabulous in this book and both the illustrations and wording of the story are very country and very Dolly! Definitely a book all children should get to read!
April 13, 2022
A nice child-friendly biography of Dolly Parton that takes us up to hitting Nashville, where she was intending to carry on the process of becoming a musical star, and where legend has it she needed the laundrette on her first day – and thus stumbled upon the one man to be the love of her life. Perhaps it's best to travel with dirty clothes, after all. It looks fine, and it reads fine – but I really didn't take to the hick style of rootin' tootin' g-droppin' writin'. It might well capture the accent of Dolly's corner of the world, but certainly for a global audience it won't always be welcome. Three and a half stars feel generous as a result, perhaps.
April 13, 2022
A beautiful story about Dolly Parton's young life and her rise to fame! So beautifully illustrated and a great story. Would highly recommend!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 18, 2022
As a Tennessee native, I especially love Dolly. I think she's one of the most influential American icons of the 20th century. This is a children's picture book that highlights her young life and rise to fame and uses Southern phrasing. Super cute for fans of Dolly or to inspire children to follow their dreams.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 8, 2022
Dolly Parton is 5 stars.
This book though is 2 stars, as it only follows her through high school graduation and wants to be an inspirational story about overcoming stage fright and sticking to your dreams.
The text material in the back is far more interesting as it outlines the rest of Parton's life and many achievements.
This book though is 2 stars, as it only follows her through high school graduation and wants to be an inspirational story about overcoming stage fright and sticking to your dreams.
The text material in the back is far more interesting as it outlines the rest of Parton's life and many achievements.
April 13, 2022
Thoroughly impressed!!!
Thank you, Astra Publishing House, for the advanced reading copy.
I would say the contents have more dazzling illustrations and story to tell more than the cover!
I got to learn a lot more about the singer's life than I did. And I would say it's such a fun, good read considering everything about a short, concise beginner friendly non-fiction biographical picture book.
Love the illustrations. They are outstanding. The presentation is perfect and I appreciate the information given towards the end.
Totally worth it. Get this book!
Thank you, Astra Publishing House, for the advanced reading copy.
I would say the contents have more dazzling illustrations and story to tell more than the cover!
I got to learn a lot more about the singer's life than I did. And I would say it's such a fun, good read considering everything about a short, concise beginner friendly non-fiction biographical picture book.
Love the illustrations. They are outstanding. The presentation is perfect and I appreciate the information given towards the end.
Totally worth it. Get this book!
September 30, 2022
Dazzlin' Dolly by Suzanne Slade is a short biography for children about the amazing beautiful Dolly Parton and her dream and persistence to make her dream come true. Dolly is a little girl with a BIG voice. Music fills Dolly’s heart so plumb full she has to let it out! She’ll even sing to her cornhusk dolls or a pen full of pigs. She makes her own drum from a pot and her own guitar from a broken mandolin.
Dolly has bigger dreams of performing for a real audience—people who would hear her sing, and applaud!
This came true for her and her voice is loved by Millions.
Dolly has bigger dreams of performing for a real audience—people who would hear her sing, and applaud!
This came true for her and her voice is loved by Millions.
December 4, 2022
This picture book biography is best for people who want lots of details about Parton's childhood and the obstacles that she overcame. It doesn't really cover her career, aside from summarizing it in the author's note at the end, but I enjoyed the level of detail about her upbringing and her pursuit of her gifts.
November 5, 2022
It's too long and wordy BUT the linguistics of it TRULY capture Dolly's heritage and legacy. And that I love.
Read
October 17, 2022Although I don't feel well-equipped to rate a children's book (seeing as I can approach this as neither a child nor a mother), I won this book as a Goodreads giveaway so I feel obligated to leave a review.
I love Dolly Parton, so when I saw this as a giveaway I absolutely had to enter. This book is an illustrated story of the beginning of Dolly's life and singing/songwriting career. I'm pleased to say that I did learn a thing or two about Dolly and the writing was very well done. Also, the illustrations were so cute!! The notes and timeline in the back were also very helpful in establishing her story- I mean, I knew she was a genius before but what a woman. I felt that the ending was cut off very abruptly, but I get that this book was not meant to be her full story.
I love Dolly Parton, so when I saw this as a giveaway I absolutely had to enter. This book is an illustrated story of the beginning of Dolly's life and singing/songwriting career. I'm pleased to say that I did learn a thing or two about Dolly and the writing was very well done. Also, the illustrations were so cute!! The notes and timeline in the back were also very helpful in establishing her story- I mean, I knew she was a genius before but what a woman. I felt that the ending was cut off very abruptly, but I get that this book was not meant to be her full story.
July 16, 2022
Everything with Dolly is GOLD! This is a story of Dolly's life and how she began her career. She made the most of what little her family had. The story talks about how nervous she was singing in front of crowds when she got her start, but she knew this is what she was meant to do.
The story and illustrations are great. I enjoyed the direct quotes from Dolly throughout the story on how she felt in the moment. The end has more about Dolly Parton and her life.
Thank you NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The story and illustrations are great. I enjoyed the direct quotes from Dolly throughout the story on how she felt in the moment. The end has more about Dolly Parton and her life.
Thank you NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 8, 2022
Dolly Parton is awesome. This book, not so much. All it did was make me want to listen to Dolly's music, perhaps while reading a better book about Dolly or maybe Dolly's own book about Dolly. Adding Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business to my want to read list.
May 26, 2022
An authentic picture book biography of a living legend.
August 8, 2022
Wow. Wordy. You've got to really love the tone of this one to see how much information is packed in here. Maybe also consider Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream?
August 12, 2022
Miigweetch NetGalley and Calkins Creek for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
This is an illustrated biography, told in poem format, written and illustrated for children. The only reason I did not give this five stars was due to style inconsistencies within the book, wherein the g was dropped from some -ing words but not others (this vexes me greatly). I also would have liked to see the story extended just a bit further. While the biography at the end does a marvelous job of summing up Dolly Parton’s many notable accomplishments, the story in the book itself focuses mostly on her modest beginnings.
The illustrations complement and match the text. I like how Dolly and her surroundings are portrayed on the page, however, I wasn’t crazy about the font and text layout. The text was easy to read, yes, but it was…basic. A little elevation in this area would go a long way to making the overall artistic impact of the book stronger. The poetry format subverts the stereotype that biographies are boring and makes this biography accessible to readers who might otherwise be hesitant to choose this genre to read.
I recommend this for Dolly Parton fans of all ages, as well as elementary classrooms, particularly those doing biography or “wax museum” projects. This book makes a good introduction to Dolly Parton and could provide a stepping stone for further research into her life, country music, or the region where she grew up.
This is an illustrated biography, told in poem format, written and illustrated for children. The only reason I did not give this five stars was due to style inconsistencies within the book, wherein the g was dropped from some -ing words but not others (this vexes me greatly). I also would have liked to see the story extended just a bit further. While the biography at the end does a marvelous job of summing up Dolly Parton’s many notable accomplishments, the story in the book itself focuses mostly on her modest beginnings.
The illustrations complement and match the text. I like how Dolly and her surroundings are portrayed on the page, however, I wasn’t crazy about the font and text layout. The text was easy to read, yes, but it was…basic. A little elevation in this area would go a long way to making the overall artistic impact of the book stronger. The poetry format subverts the stereotype that biographies are boring and makes this biography accessible to readers who might otherwise be hesitant to choose this genre to read.
I recommend this for Dolly Parton fans of all ages, as well as elementary classrooms, particularly those doing biography or “wax museum” projects. This book makes a good introduction to Dolly Parton and could provide a stepping stone for further research into her life, country music, or the region where she grew up.
October 18, 2025
I feel like every kid should learn about Dolly, a woman who came from abject poverty and not only earned her way to worldwide stardom through a combination of talent and hard work, but who has consistently demonstrated over decades what it is to be a genuinely good person.
And while there are many children's books about her (as well there should be), my favourite so far is "Dazzlin' Dolly: The Songwriting, Hit-Singing, Guitar-Picking Dolly Parton" (2022).
I love that "Dazzlin' Dolly" doesn't focus on the grown-up star we all know as adults, but on her early life. Kids will be fascinated to learn of her hardscrabble childhood with a big, loving family in Appalachia. And they'll definitely relate to her nerves when she starts to get attention for her talents at a still-very-young age.
With more information packed in a back note, I highly recommend this book about a true treasure of our times, a woman we can all look up to.
And while there are many children's books about her (as well there should be), my favourite so far is "Dazzlin' Dolly: The Songwriting, Hit-Singing, Guitar-Picking Dolly Parton" (2022).
I love that "Dazzlin' Dolly" doesn't focus on the grown-up star we all know as adults, but on her early life. Kids will be fascinated to learn of her hardscrabble childhood with a big, loving family in Appalachia. And they'll definitely relate to her nerves when she starts to get attention for her talents at a still-very-young age.
With more information packed in a back note, I highly recommend this book about a true treasure of our times, a woman we can all look up to.
July 6, 2022
Dazzlin' Dolly is an adorable small biography for children. The illustrations were simple and beautiful. I loved how the "voice" of the story sounds country and fun without seeming derogatory. It is perfect for a read aloud using your best "country" voice. I like that the book showed that even in extreme poverty, Dolly still found joy in her life. It showed that she was resourceful and resilient. She had a dream and she achieved that dream many times over. If it isn't obvious, I am a Dolly fan, but this is just a great story overall. This is good for children who love music and/ or Dolly. It is a great way to introduce biographies to younger children who think that reading biographies is boring. It is also a great tool to demonstrate using literary voice when writing a story. I will absolutely be adding this book to my classroom library.
October 18, 2023
From the title forward, Slade's writing just SHINES like Dolly Parton does.
Dolly's dazzlin' talent shone
like a thousand fireflies on a moonless night.
After learning to play guitar chords,
she used those chords to create guitar licks.
Then, arranged them licks into toe-tappin',
sad-sappin' songs.
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL language that lends itself not only to good story telling but also to lots of discussions with our students or discussions led by our students. What does the author mean by...? And what does this reveal about Dolly's passion for music?
AND THEN THERE'S THE ILLUSTRATIONS - oh joy!!! They are splendid lifting the written text in so many ways. Musical notes, quotes from Parton and just the magic of Parton's passion and presence are an effortless part of Fotheringham's illustrations. Lots of room for classroom conversations!
Dolly's dazzlin' talent shone
like a thousand fireflies on a moonless night.
After learning to play guitar chords,
she used those chords to create guitar licks.
Then, arranged them licks into toe-tappin',
sad-sappin' songs.
CRAZY BEAUTIFUL language that lends itself not only to good story telling but also to lots of discussions with our students or discussions led by our students. What does the author mean by...? And what does this reveal about Dolly's passion for music?
AND THEN THERE'S THE ILLUSTRATIONS - oh joy!!! They are splendid lifting the written text in so many ways. Musical notes, quotes from Parton and just the magic of Parton's passion and presence are an effortless part of Fotheringham's illustrations. Lots of room for classroom conversations!
October 21, 2022
Dazzlin’ Dolly by Suzanne Slade is an awesome account of the life of Dolly Parton. It is beautifully illustrated and gives the book a retro feel to the time period that Dolly grew up in, in my opinion. I loved how the book emphasized that Dolly worked hard to achieve her dreams and never gave up on them. I loved how the Author explained that Dolly never forgot where she came from and what she went through. I also loved how the Author explains how Dolly gave back and has helped people all over the world. I believe Dazzlin Dolly would be a perfect book for any type of story time. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read this book. My review is also on Goodreads.
November 3, 2022
This is a cute little book about the life of the talented country music singer/songwriter, advocate of literacy, movie star, and theme park owner and how her little dream grew really big the more and more she pushed through fear and negative thoughts. Her story really is a story of overcoming your fears, keeping your feet on solid ground, but learning to fly to limitless places with all your heart. It follows Dolly Parton's life as a young baby, into childhood displaying her creativity and resourcefulness in poverty, and then tells of her story of stardom, but not without doubts and struggles. I love Dolly Parton and have always admired her impact on pushing early literacy. I enjoyed reading this child-like, entertaining book about her life.
November 25, 2024
The biography, Dazzlin Dolly by Suzanne Slade, is a fantastic retelling of the childhood of world-famous country singer Dolly Parton. It shows several important events in her upbringing, such as her 13-year-old performance with Johnny Cash at the Grand Ole Opry and when she made her first instrument, a busted-up mandolin she found. The book ends with Dolly graduating high school and moving to Nashville the following day. The book also provides extra information about Ms. Parton and a timeline of important events in her life. Young fans of Dolly Parton and music will love this biography of Ms. Parton's life.
April 15, 2022
Immediately seeing this beautiful Dolly book, I knew I had to read it. She is an icon, and a great role model for children. I loved how the graphics gave an old time feel, yet were up to date and relevant for kids currently. I wished the writing was committed to being rhymes every time, or no rhyming at all. The mixture between felt like a disconnect. I would have loved to see the writing to be all rhymes personally. Regardless though, a great story and a book I'd recommend to others for their kids' collection.
June 2, 2022
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you are still surprised that I will rate a Dolly-related book highly whenever possible, then you must be new to my page.
What a glorious book! The amazing rags to riches, talented from birth story of the effervescent Dolly Parton is told simply and with beautiful illustrations.
Perfect way to introduce this phenomenal woman to new generations so as to keep her talent alive.
Also perfect for fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
If you are still surprised that I will rate a Dolly-related book highly whenever possible, then you must be new to my page.
What a glorious book! The amazing rags to riches, talented from birth story of the effervescent Dolly Parton is told simply and with beautiful illustrations.
Perfect way to introduce this phenomenal woman to new generations so as to keep her talent alive.
Also perfect for fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
June 28, 2022
This is one of the better picture book biographies of Dolly Parton. I would expect nothing else from Susan Slade who has a long history of putting out excellent children’s books. This book mainly focuses on Dolly’s young life. None of the information is new but it is put in such a way that children will find the story enjoyable. The illustrations perfectly match the tone in the text of the story while bringing the appeal of the age for which it is written.
July 5, 2022
Thank you NetGalley, Suzanne Slade and Astra Publishing House for the ARC of Dazzlin’ Dolly. This is my personal review.
I have been a Dolly Parton fan my entire life and when I saw this book, I knew it was one I would enjoy.
This book is perfect for the younger Dolly fan, but fans of all ages will love this book. The illustrations were excellent, and the story was about her life from growing up poor following her as she became the legend she is today.
I have been a Dolly Parton fan my entire life and when I saw this book, I knew it was one I would enjoy.
This book is perfect for the younger Dolly fan, but fans of all ages will love this book. The illustrations were excellent, and the story was about her life from growing up poor following her as she became the legend she is today.
November 6, 2023
An excellent biography of Dolly Parton and her early life! Her dedication to music shines throughout this biography, from singing to the pigs and creating her "guitar", going with her uncle to a Knoxville radio station to get a spot on a live show, and getting her past her fears. As she said, "I was scared to death...My desire to do it was always greater than my fear." Two thumbs up for this book!
January 3, 2025
This book is visually fantastic. The illustrations are bright and bold and very Dolly. The writing though is where I took off on my rating. The author tried way too hard to talk like Dolly. To the point where it didn’t even make sense. I’m from the mountains of eastern Kentucky and country as cornbread, and I had a difficult time reading what was being said. Had to read some pages multiple times to understand. The story is good, the pictures are good, but the wording is not.
April 27, 2022
I highly recommend this inspirational, biographical book on Dazzlin’ Dolly’s rise to fame. If you are a primary music or classroom teacher looking for a true story that features growth mindset and grit, consider this title by Suzanne Slade. Many students deal with stage-fright on some level, and this story lets them know that they can persevere through it.
June 23, 2022
Dolly Parton is just fascinating so when I saw #netgalley had a copy of this biography I had to have it. The illustrations were perfect and the quotes that were emphasized added to the story. Going from Dolly's life from birth to now was a wonderful journey and all fans of hers will adore this book.
August 2, 2022
Why were -ing words sometimes, but not always, missing a G? Why was the biography at the end so much better and so well-rounded and the overall book so one-sided? Dolly is so amazing yet the book focuses mainly on her humble origins. Dolly is an inspiration and this book could have done her justice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews