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Tuesday, June 14, 2022

Dolly! The Story of Dolly Parton and Her Big Dream, written by Robyn McGrath and illustrated by Ellen Surrey. Little, Brown and Company, Hachette. 2022. $22.99 ages 6 and up

 

"Every Saturday, Dolly's family crowded 
around their battery-operated radio. 

As Dolly listened to the Grand Ole Opry, 
her heartbeat quickened, 
she held her breath on each note, 
and she felt the lyrics of joy and pain.
"

Dolly Parton was born to entertain. In her large family, her need to be heard was strong. If her siblings would not listen, she sang for the farm animals. She found inspiration for making music in her mama's bean snapping, in the honking of geese, and wrote her first song when she was five. Nothing stood in the way of her making music. 

Listening to the music of the Grand Ole Opry led to her wanting to be there. Even when people said she was too young, she kept believing in herself and her talents. She worked hard on the farm, as did the rest of her family. Her best work came when she had time to write songs and dream of the future. The family made time together to make music, and Dolly was right in the middle of it. Her Uncle Bill took note of her amazing talent; with his help, she became a regular on a weekly variety show. Then, began the trips to Nashville to find her a place on the Opry stage. 

"Finally, Dolly's persistence paid off. 

One night, another singer agreed to let 
Dolly go onstage in his place at the 
Grand Ole Opry!

Dolly's dreams had led her here. 
                    To this moment. 
                             To THIS stage. 

And she was ...
                      just a kid.

The audience loved her. Following high school graduation, she made her way to Nashville where she sang and wrote, and wrote and sang until she became the star she is today. Her sweet voice, her heartfelt songs, her generous and giving nature are an inspiration. 

The cheery gouache illustrations show the exuberance of this popular and much-loved woman throughout her life. Back matter includes more about Dolly, about the Grand Ole Opry, and adds a welcome list of "Dollyisms'. 

"I've always been misunderstood because of how I look. 
Don't judge me by the cover 'cause I'm a real good book!"

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