Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big

By: Dolly Parton, Erica S. Perl

Narrated by: Dolly Parton

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the legendary queen of country music Dolly Parton comes a story about her god-dog, Instagram personality Billy the Kid, who hopes to make it big as a country music star in Nashville.

“Music takes center stage and bullies get properly pun-ished in this hearty and wholesome howl.”—Kirkus Reviews

French bulldog Billy the Kid was born with an ear for music. And not just any music—he loves barking to the beat of country music! So, in order to pursue his dreams, Billy sets out to Nashville to sing his heart out.

But when he meets some big bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, Billy worries he's barking up the wrong tree. He'll need his favorite songs ("Jowlene" and "I Will Pawlways Love You," of course), a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.

Warm-hearted and funny, this delightful picture book about standing up to people (and dogs) who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams is one the whole family will enjoy.

Critic reviews

A 2023 Good Housekeeping Best Kid's Book of the Year Nominee

"Music takes center stage and bullies get properly pun-ished in this hearty and wholesome howl."—Kirkus Reviews

"With Perl, Parton expands her song “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” into a bighearted anti-bullying fable starring a French bulldog with big dreams. Warm pastel-hued rainbows carry musical notes throughout Haley’s images of cartoon pooches in a message-driven story that includes plenty of Easter eggs for Dolly fans. Lyrics to “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” conclude." —Publishers Weekly

"The queen of country music (and an early childhood literacy advocate) crafts a howling tale about her beloved “god-dog” Billy, who follows his musical dreams even when things get, well, ruff. . .its clear anti-bullying message is told in the context of a charming story." —Good Housekeeping