This picture book begins with the humble birth of Dolly Parton in 1946 and ends when she moved to Nashville to pursue a music career right after graduating from Sevier County [Tennessee] High School. "Suzanne Slade weaves an engaging account of Dolly Parton’s music-filled childhood in the Tennessee mountains, her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry as a thirteen-year-old, and her move to Nashville after high school. Beautifully illustrated by Edwin Fotheringham, this charming book will inspire young readers to nurture and follow their own dreams, just as Dolly did." —Lydia Hamessley. “In this upbeat new picture book, bestselling author Suzanne Slade tells young readers the inspiring story of how Dolly Parton's creativity and determination helped her become one of America's most beloved musicians, songwriters, and humanitarians. Highly recommended for ages 5 to 9.” —A Mighty Girl. "A title brimming with love for a favorite country music star. Slade’s text includes quotes from Parton and adopts a down-home voice for the narration as she returns to Dolly’s Tennessee roots to tell her rags-to-riches coming-of-age story....Fotheringham incorporates symbols and motifs...that are important to Parton’s career or figure prominently in her lyrics, which will delight those familiar with her catalog. A new generation will understand why we will always love this iconic singer/songwriter." —Kirkus Reviews. The illustrator, Edwin Fotheringham grew up in Australia and attended the University of Washington School of Art in Seattle where he still lives. The author, Suzanne Slade, initially received 80 rejections of her first books over an eight-year period, but has now published over 150 titles. Trained as a mechanical engineer, she lives in Libertyville, Illinois.
New York: Calkins Creek/Astria Books for Young Readers, 2022. 40 pages, illustrated in full color by Edwin Fotheringham with a Timeline and Selected Bibliography. 9.25”X 11.5” hardback in dust jacket.