On October 1, 2024, Penguin Young Readers will publish Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, a new, standalone sequel to Dolly’s New York Times bestselling picture book, Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big. This heartwarming tale, written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, features Dolly’s beloved god-dog and is inspired by her song 'Comin' Home for Christmas'. The story follows Billy the Kid, a French bulldog who seemingly has everything: a place in Nashville, a great band, and even a cross-country tour. But when Billy’s band is scheduled to perform at Barkafeller Center on Christmas Day, he must decide what matters to him most: fame or family?
"I always love celebrating Christmas with my family and of course my god-dog Billy," says Dolly. "Since he’s a big star now, he deserves his own holiday special! Using my 'Comin’ Home for Christmas' lyrics, I wanted to tell a story about the importance of family and friends, especially during the holidays. I hope this is a book families will be excited to read every year for Christmas."
Dolly’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009). In 2023, Dolly introduced the beloved new character Billy the Kid, inspired by her favorite god-dog, in Billy the Kid Makes It Big. The book was an instant New York Times bestseller and dubbed a “wholesome howl” by Kirkus Reviews.
"Dolly is making sure that her beloved God-Dog Billy will never have a ‘Hard Candy Christmas,’" says Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop. "This book is pure holiday joy, and we hope that families will enjoy it for generations to come."
Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas is set for release October 1st and is available for pre-order now wherever books are sold.
