8 December 2022

Global superstar 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. Featuring illustrations by MacKenzie Haley and aimed at readers ages 4-7, Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Makes it Big 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,” states Parton. “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.” Parton’s previous children’s books include Coat Of Many Colors (1994) and I Am A Rainbow (2009). Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop 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.”  The deal was brokered by Jeff Kleinman and Steve Troha at Folio and Francesco Sedita, President, Penguin Workshop.