Inspiring Stories That Celebrate Imagination, Generosity, and the Power of Dreams
Dolly Parton is more than a country music icon—she’s a storyteller, a champion of children’s literacy, and a shining example of kindness and determination. Books about Dolly Parton introduce young readers to her extraordinary life, her love of books, and her belief that dreams really can come true.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite Dolly Parton books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included creative activities and reflection questions to help kids connect with Dolly’s story and values. Let me know which book sparks the most inspiration in your home or classroom!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Dolly Parton?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dolly Parton
- How To Use Books About Dolly Parton With Children
- 11 Dolly Parton Books For Children
- What Dolly Parton Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Dolly Parton?
Books about Dolly Parton help kids believe in themselves, value creativity, and practice kindness.
Her story—from growing up in a one-room cabin in Tennessee to becoming a world-famous singer and philanthropist—shows that hard work, heart, and imagination can lead to amazing things. Dolly’s commitment to literacy and her Imagination Library also make her a real-life reading hero.
Reading about Dolly encourages children to follow their passions and share their gifts with the world.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dolly Parton
Dolly’s life story teaches children the importance of kindness, resilience, and staying true to yourself.
Kids learn how Dolly turned challenges into inspiration, used her voice to tell stories, and never gave up on her dreams. These books also explore how she gives back to her community—especially by putting books into the hands of millions of children through the Imagination Library.
Dolly Parton books are perfect for celebrating music, creativity, generosity, and hope.
How to Use Books about Dolly Parton with Children
Here are some sweet and meaningful ways to bring Dolly-inspired books to life:
- 🎤 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What made Dolly different—and how did that become her strength? or What’s a dream you’d like to follow like Dolly did? In a classroom, use Turn and Talk to share dreams and talents.
- 🎨 Engage in Dolly-Themed Activities: Create sparkle-themed self-portraits, decorate a “dream journal,” write your own song lyrics or poems, or make a mini library for the classroom to celebrate Dolly’s love of reading and giving.
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: During lessons about perseverance, individuality, or giving back, revisit moments from Dolly’s life. For example: Remember how Dolly used her voice to make a difference? What could you do with yours?
- 👨‍👩‍👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share Dolly books with families and encourage discussions about dreaming big, giving generously, and embracing what makes each child unique. You can also recommend signing up for the Imagination Library if available in their area!
11 Dolly Parton Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 Lullaby Legends: ABC of Dolly Parton by Susie Linn
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An alphabet board book that introduces young readers to Dolly’s values and journey, from A to Z.
Activity Suggestion: Pick a favorite letter and draw or color a picture of something Dolly-related that matches.
Discussion Questions:
- What new letter fact about Dolly surprised you?
- Which value or trait from the book do you admire most?
- Can you think of your own ABC for someone you look up to?
#2 Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton
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A beautiful picture book version of Dolly’s beloved song, celebrating love, creativity, and pride in what you have.
Activity Suggestion: Design your own “coat of many colors” with paper, crayons, and fabric scraps.
Discussion Questions:
- How did Dolly feel about her coat?
- What makes something special even if it’s not new?
- What’s something you own that means a lot to you?
#3 Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes It Big by Dolly Parton
đź”— View on Amazon
A fun and musical story of a small pup with a big dream, written by Dolly herself.
Activity Suggestion: Write a short story or draw a picture about your own big dream.
Discussion Questions:
- What was Billy’s dream?
- What challenges did Billy face?
- How did Billy show bravery and perseverance?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Dolly!: The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream by Robyn McGrath
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An encouraging biography that shows how young Dolly’s passion and persistence turned dreams into reality.
Activity Suggestion: Create a “dream board” with drawings or magazine clippings of your goals.
Discussion Questions:
- What were Dolly’s dreams as a child?
- How did she keep going when things were hard?
- What’s something you want to work toward?
#5 Who Is Dolly Parton? by True Kelley
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Part of the popular “Who Was?” series, this book gives a kid-friendly overview of Dolly’s life and impact.
Activity Suggestion: Make a timeline of important events in Dolly’s life.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Dolly’s story inspiring?
- What talents did Dolly use to help others?
- How do you think she stayed true to herself?
#6 Dolly Parton by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara
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From the “Little People, Big Dreams” series, this story emphasizes Dolly’s journey from a small town to global fame.
Activity Suggestion: Write a mini book about your own “big dream.”
Discussion Questions:
- What lessons did Dolly learn growing up?
- How did music help her tell her story?
- Why is it important to dream big?
Check Out Capybara-Theme Daily Reflection Journals For Kids!
#7 My Little Golden Book About Dolly Parton by Deborah Hopkinson
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A lovely, beginner-friendly biography for young readers discovering Dolly for the first time.
Activity Suggestion: Draw a golden star and write one thing that makes you shine.
Discussion Questions:
- What was something Dolly did that helped others?
- What do you think makes her so popular with people of all ages?
- What’s something special you’d like to be known for?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 It’s Her Story – Dolly Parton by Emily Skwish
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A graphic-novel style biography that showcases Dolly’s legacy in music, business, and giving back.
Activity Suggestion: Make a comic strip about something brave or bold you’ve done.
Discussion Questions:
- How does this format make learning about Dolly fun?
- What were some of the bold choices she made?
- If you were writing your own story, what would the title be?
#9 Dolly Parton by Mary Nhin
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This book from the “Mini Movers and Shakers” series introduces Dolly as a role model of confidence and kindness.
Activity Suggestion: Create a kindness chain with ideas inspired by Dolly’s actions.
Discussion Questions:
- What acts of kindness did Dolly do?
- How do you show confidence like Dolly?
- What’s one way you can help someone today?
#10 I Am Dolly Parton by Brad Meltzer
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A lively entry in the “Ordinary People Change the World” series that celebrates Dolly’s personality and heart.
Activity Suggestion: Make a mask or puppet of Dolly and put on a mini show.
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Dolly stand out?
- How did she use her voice for good?
- What kind of change would you like to make in the world?
#11 Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones by Dolly Parton
đź”— View on Amazon
A visual autobiography for older kids and teens that showcases Dolly’s fashion, flair, and storytelling through clothes.
Activity Suggestion: Design your own dazzling outfit or stage costume.
Discussion Questions:
- What do clothes mean to Dolly?
- How do people express their identity through style?
- What outfit would you wear if you were on stage?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Dolly Parton Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Dolly Parton books for kids shine with heart, humor, and hope. Whether your reader is drawn to music, storytelling, or simply learning how to be kind and bold, these books offer a meaningful and joyful way to dream big and give back.
Which Dolly-inspired story is next on your shelf? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, dream journals, or sparkle-filled activities!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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