DOLLY!

A poor country girl’s journey from pounding out rhythms on pots and pans to achieving global music stardom.

McGrath re-creates the flavor of Parton’s childhood “deep in a holler of the Great Smoky Mountains” with well-chosen details, such as a reference to a “handmade corncob doll” that was the subject of young Dolly’s first song. The narrative portrays Parton’s musical development, from singing to farm animals and juggling songwriting with corn hoeing to listening to country music on the radio with her family. It relates a well-known incident from Parton’s childhood—she was mocked by classmates for wearing a patchwork coat—and her famous 1971 ballad inspired by the experience. Surrey’s warm gouache spreads capture the blond, blue-eyed songstress’s cheerful nature, often depicting her smiling radiantly against backgrounds of butterflies and sparkling stars. Readers learn that it was her uncle who initially helped her achieve her dream, first shepherding her to an on-air variety show performance and later driving her to Nashville, where, after many rejections, Johnny Cash welcomed the young singer into the world of the Grand Old Opry country music show. The final illustration of the dazzling, successful performer poised in front of a microphone is a poignant contrast to the opening illustration of a young barefoot Dolly on the front porch of her humble childhood home, belting into a broom. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

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