Children's Books / Shopping / 28 August 2026

Be More Dolly: The Best Kids’ Books About Dolly Parton

Celebrate the extraordinary life of Dolly Parton with our pick of inspiring children’s books that shine a light on her music, remarkable journey and big-hearted kindness. From following your dreams to helping others, these uplifting stories encourage little readers to be brave, believe in themselves and discover that anything is possible when you dream big.

By Bonita Turner

Junior Magazine Children's Books Be More Dolly: The Best Kids’ Books About Dolly Parton
Junior Magazine Children's Books Be More Dolly: The Best Kids’ Books About Dolly Parton

"Let's share this dream that all children should grow up in a home full of books."

Dolly Parton (1946-2026)

Be More Dolly: 9 of he Best Kids’ Books About Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton (Little People, Big Dreams)

by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara and Illustrated by Daria Solak

Published: 2019 by Frances Lincoln Children's Books
Ideal for: 6-8 years

A worthy – and wonderful – addition to the much-loved Little People, BIG DREAMS series. Here, young readers will discover how Dolly followed her heart, stayed true to her love of country music and turned her dreams into reality. But it’s her generosity that makes her story particularly special, showing children that success is even more meaningful when you use it to help others. Beautifully illustrated and packed with fascinating facts, historical photographs and a helpful timeline, this uplifting biography celebrates Dolly’s talent, determination and kindness. A lovely reminder to dream big, work hard and, just like Dolly, always give back. * There is also a board backed mini version ‘My First Dolly’ aimed at younger readers aged 3-5 

Have You Heard Of? Dolly Parton (Hachette)

Illustrated by Úna Woods

Published: 2022 by Pat-A-Cake, Hachette
Ideal for: 3-5 years

A delightful first introduction to Dolly Parton, this interactive board book makes discovering her story feel like play. Little readers can lift flaps, turn the wheel and help Dolly get ready for her show, while discovering how her music, generosity and determination have inspired so many. The retro illustrations, simple text, lift-the-flap details and spinning wheel make it a wonderful little book for small hands. A charming first introduction to Dolly, with plenty of magic, heart and sparkle! It even scooped a Junior Design Award here.

Lullaby Legends: ABC of Dolly Parton: A Rhyming Lullaby

Illustrated by Aimee Wright

Published: 2025 by Gemini Children's Books Limited
Ideal for: 12 mths +

Grab your cowboy hat  – Dolly is taking us on an ABC adventure! We love this playful little board book, which introduces younger readers to Dolly’s remarkable life through gentle rhymes and colourful illustrations. From her Tennessee roots to her incredible music career, each letter reveals another little piece of Dolly magic. It’s fun, easy to dip in and out of, and packed with charming details that had us smiling as we read. A lovely bedtime choice for little Dolly fans –  and, let’s be honest, probably one their grown-ups will enjoy just as much!

Baby Biographies: Dolly Parton: My Baby’s Introduction to the Queen of Country

by Amanda Sobotkaand and illustrated by Nichola Cowdery

Published: 2025 by Applesauce Press
Ideal for: 1-3 years

This child-friendly biography has a little musical magic up its sleeve! Rather than simply telling Dolly’s story, it feels like an invitation to bring her into your family’s world — perfect for reading together, singing along and perhaps introducing little ears to a few Dolly classics along the way. We loved the focus on her kindness, resilience and incredible journey from the Smoky Mountains to worldwide fame, all presented in a wonderfully accessible way for babies and toddlers. A charming first introduction to a true icon, this is one for sharing, snuggling and, inevitably, breaking into song!

Little Superstars: Dolly

Illustrated by Joanie Stone

Published: 2026 by Campbell Books
Ideal for: 2-5 years

What better way to introduce little readers to the extraordinary Dolly Parton than with a book that’s as bright, joyful and full of personality as she is? This board book combines playful rhymes, colourful artwork and clever push, pull and slide elements to explore her remarkable journey. Beyond the music and glittering career, we love that it shines a light on Dolly’s determination, generosity and lifelong love of reading. It’s an uplifting reminder that big dreams can start small – and that success is even more special when you use it to help others. A charming first taste of a true icon.

Dolly Parton Ultimate Fan Edition Little Golden Book Biography

by Deborah Hopkinson and Monique Dong

Published: 2026 by Little Golden Book Biographies
Ideal for: 4-8 years

The Little Golden Books series does biographies so well for children, and in this updated version of the original, you’ll once again discover that there’s no one quite like Dolly Parton. With 22 bonus pages, this edition is packed with added activities, fun facts, trivia and a quiz, making it much more than a book to simply read  – it’s one to explore and return to. And with pictures to colour and stickers too, little Dolly fans have plenty to keep them entertained while discovering the extraordinary life and career of this much-loved icon. * The Dolly Parton: Baby Edition version is aimed at 0-3 years olds

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

by Robyn McGrath and Ellen Surrey

Published: 2022 by Little Brown Young Readers
Ideal for: 4-8 years

The really special part of this book is that it doesn’t simply focus on Dolly as a superstar. It introduces children to the little girl behind the legend – her family, rural Tennessee upbringing, determination and early love of performing. The details that she wrote her first song at just five and performed at the Grand Ole Opry at thirteen give children a sense of just how early her talent and ambition shone through. We’d particularly highlight the message that success isn’t measured only by fame, but by resilience, confidence, family and kindness. That gives the biography a lovely emotional depth and makes Dolly’s story genuinely inspiring for young readers.

Coat of Many Colors: 10th Anniversary Edition

By Dolly Parton and illustrated by Brooke Boynton-Hughes

Published: 2026 by Penguin
Ideal for: 3-7 years

This special 10th anniversary edition of Coat of Many Colors is a beautiful reminder of why Dolly Parton’s story has touched so many hearts. Inspired by her much-loved song, it brings her childhood in the Smoky Mountains to life through her own poetic lyrics, telling a simple but powerful story about family, kindness and finding richness in love rather than money. We especially love the heartfelt message behind Mama’s handmade coat and the way Dolly turns a childhood memory into something so uplifting. With beautiful illustrations, a butter-yellow fabric cover and a new foreword from Dolly, this is a particularly lovely keepsake edition.

You Are a Diamond: A Book for the Littlest Dolly Parton Fans

Illustrated by Staci Bryant

Published: 2026 by Odd Dot
Ideal for: 3-6 years

Introducing little readers to Dolly Parton through a message that feels wonderfully personal: that everyone has their own sparkle. Rather than simply recounting Dolly’s incredible journey, this vibrant read-aloud celebrates the qualities behind her success – resilience, courage, determination and believing in yourself. Its upbeat text and colourful illustrations turn Dolly’s story into an empowering reminder for children to embrace what makes them unique and follow their dreams. With its uplifting “diamond in a rhinestone world” message, this is a joyful book to share together and a lovely confidence boost for little Dolly fans.

Dolly’s Imagination Library

Perhaps one of Dolly Parton’s greatest gifts isn’t a song at all, but the joy of discovering a good book. Inspired by her father, who couldn’t read, Dolly launched her Imagination Library in 1995, initially sending free books to children in her home county in Tennessee. What started as a small act of kindness has grown into something truly extraordinary, with more than 300 million books gifted worldwide.

The Imagination Library arrived in the UK in 2007, with the first books following in 2008. Today, children receive a carefully chosen book through the post every month, completely free. We love that Dolly’s dream is so simple: put a book in the hands of every child and help them discover the magic of reading.