Dolly Parton will publish a new picture book about her god-dog, Billy the Kid, releasing on April 25, 2023 with Penguin Workshop, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers. Aimed at readers ages 4-7, Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big features illustrations by MacKenzie Haley and tells the story of Billy the Kid, a dog who loves barking to the beat of country music and sets out to make it big as a country music star in Nashville. But when he encounters some bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, he must call on his favorite songs, and the help of some new friends, to regain his self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.
“I am so proud to bring this book and the message it conveys to life,” Dolly shared. “Years back I wrote a song 'Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny' for my children’s album, 'I Believe In You.' I wanted kids to understand how harmful bullying can be to someone. When I launched the Doggy Parton line of pet products earlier this year, my god-dog Billy got to be the star of the show. Since he’s a big star now, I knew a story with him at the center could help drive home important messages in a unique way. I hope this is the first of many books with Billy.”
To bring Billy's story to life, Dolly teamed up with Mackenzie Haley, an illustrator from Louisville, Kentucky, whose books include The Ninja Club Sleepover, Pegasisters Go to Camp, and Snitchy Witch, among others. Dolly’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors and I Am A Rainbow.
Penguin Workshop president Francesco Sedita said,
“Working with Dolly is a true delight, and we’re so happy to adopt her god-dog, Billy the Kid, into the Penguin Workshop family! This story is going to bring joy (and a little bit of country) to so many.”
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big, illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, is set for release on April 25, 2023 and is now available for preorder.
