Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream

by Robyn McGrath (Author) Ellen Surrey (Illustrator)

Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

A rhythmically told and vibrantly illustrated picture book biography of Dolly Parton: 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 success: resilience, confidence, family, and kindness.

Select format:
Hardcover
$17.99

Kirkus

A profile of the Queen of Country Music that conveys the spirit and spunk of a little girl with a big vision.

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4--Composer, entrepreneur, performer, and philanthropist Dolly Parton's lifelong love of music bubbles to the top in this new picture book biography, focusing on her tough upbringing in Tennessee and how that shaped her path. For children unfamiliar with Parton, this digitally illustrated book is as bright as the singer's favorite outfits and its exaggerated cartoon style will connect with fans of animated shows popular today. The text focuses almost disproportionately on Parton's early life, circling around the different ways music made an appearance in her early years--from porch concerts to radio listening to her mama singing--and then moves on, in the final pages, to the artist's first public performances and ultimately her career successes. The language is more poetic than many biographies, but, surprising for the true story of a lyrical maven, lacks flow and rhythm. The inclusion of "Dolly-isms" in the back matter is a treat. VERDICT Add this to any collection that lacks a Parton biography.--Aryssa Damron

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes



Robyn McGrath
Robyn McGrath is a native of Texas and lives in Austin with her family where she works as a play therapist. She's the author of Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream, illustrated by Ellen Surrey; There's Always Room for One More, illustrated by Ishaa Lobo; and A Mind of Her Own, illustrated by Liz Wong. To learn more about Robyn, visit RobynMcGrathWrites.com.

Liz Wong is the illustrator of A Mind of Her Own by Robyn McGrath, Pirate Queen by Helaine Becker, Nobody Likes Frogs by Barbara Davis-Pyles, Her Eyes on the Stars by Laurie Wallmark, and her own Quackers, The Goose Egg, and I Am Not a Penguin. Liz lives in Edmonds, Washington, with her husband and son. Learn more about her at LizWongIllustration.com.
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780316324526
Lexile Measure
-
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Christy Ottaviano Books-Little Brown and Hachette
Publication date
June 07, 2022
Series
-
BISAC categories
JNF007040 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Music
JNF007120 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Biography & Autobiography | Women
JNF053200 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Social Topics | Values & Virtues
Library of Congress categories
Biographies
United States
Singers
Country musicians
Parton, Dolly

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