Member Reviews
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If you are still surprised that I will rate a Dolly-related book highly whenever possible, then you must be new to my page.
What a glorious book! The amazing rags to riches, talented from birth story of the effervescent Dolly Parton is told simply and with beautiful illustrations.
Perfect way to introduce this phenomenal woman to new generations so as to keep her talent alive.
Also perfect for fans like me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to Netgalley and Astra Publishing House, Calkins Creek for a free digital copy.
What a wonderful picture book biography of Dolly Parton. I loved the illustrations and the hope infused in each step of Dolly's journey.
Author Suzanne Slade has a way with picture book biographies, just look at some of her recent subjects - Katherine Johnson, Gwendolyn Brooks, June Alemida, and Jane Addams - to name a few. But this fall she has a book coming out that will be the delight of country music fans and residents of Tennessee, <i>Dazzlin' Dolly</i>! Throughout the book there are quotes from Dolly such as, "If you're gonna make a dream come true, you gotta work it. You can't just sit around." Those quotes help to bring Dolly's character to life for readers. The author also uses a writing style that works in familiar words and phrases from Dolly's mountain home: holler, plumb full, and tussle, for example. Readers will also come across locations from Dolly's life such as Knoxville and Nashville. The illustrator has done a wonderful job of including details that will be easily recognizable to Tennesseans like Miller's department store, the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and the WIVK call-sign on the microphone Dolly sings into for her first radio performance. Back matter includes a two-page spread with "More about Dolly," a photo of Dolly from the time of her first gold album, a timeline, and a selected bibliography. Whether readers are musical fans or doing research into famous Tennesseans for a school project, they will come away with a better understanding of the obstacles and challenges that Dolly overcame to make her dreams come true.
Dazzlin' Dolly is a wonderful biography for children. There were things about Dolly that I didn't know before reading the book. While the illustrations were cute, they seem a bit old fashioned, so I'm not sure today's audience will gravitate towards it. I like how the text seemed to be in Dolly's young voice. She's an amazing woman who should be celebrated! I give this book four stars.
I like Dolly so thought I'd request this. Unfortunately, I was trying to read it on my phone so couldn't get the font large enough to actually read. I did like the illustrations, so look forward to seeing it in a physical format to actually read the story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
This Dolly Parton biography is mediocre. The pictures are colorful and old-fashioned, in a nostalgic way. The intended audience is unclear. The format of the text indicates it should be song-like but it doesn't rhyme. There are better Parton biographies for young readers.
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Dazzlin' Dolly is a short biography for children about the amazing Dolly Parton and her dream and persistence to make her dream come true.
This biography starts when Dolly was born - from a large family who were very poor that they had to put newspaper on the walls to cover the cracks sending drafts through their home, all the way to how she made it as a singing star! I love Dolly Parton - she's one inspirational woman with fierce determination and a heart of pure gold. Not only does this book share her story with children today but it also inspires them to chase their hopes and dreams and not let anyone put them off or take them away from them. With hard work and determination we can achieve all we ever want and more!
The illustrations are fabulous in this book and both the illustrations and wording of the story are very country and very Dolly! Definitely a book all children should get to read!
I highly recommend this inspirational, biographical book on Dazzlin’ Dolly’s rise to fame. If you are a primary music or classroom teacher looking for a true story that features growth mindset and grit, consider this title by Suzanne Slade. Many students deal with stage-fright on some level, and this story lets them know that they can persevere through it.
What a fun and quick read! Dazzlin’ Dolly follows the story of Dolly Parton and her early childhood. It was interesting to read about her childhood and finding her passion in music, so much of it I didn’t know!
Dazzlin' Dolly tells the story of Dolly Parton's childhood and rise to fame as a famous singer. I learned more about her life in this picture book. There is extra information at the end of the book as well to give readers more of a glimpse into the life of this singer.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this book about Dolly. Loved reading more about her and her singing career. Such pretty pictures throughout the book! Thank you so much for letting me review this book.
As a Tennessee native, I especially love Dolly. I think she's one of the most influential American icons of the 20th century. This is a children's picture book that highlights her young life and rise to fame and uses Southern phrasing. Super cute for fans of Dolly or to inspire children to follow their dreams.
Thank you to netgalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
This book deals with the humble beginnings, ambition, and generosity of Dolly Parton. It explains her rise to stardom as a country singer, telling her story with language that reflects her Tennessee background. An author's note continues the story by telling about her success as a businesswoman and her generosity, referring specifically to the books she has given to children and the jobs she has provided to her community. The illustrations reflect her early surroundings and will help young readers envision these settings. This is a true story of talent and sheer will to succeed.
This is a fun look into Dolly Patron's life and how she worked hard to get to where she is today. Such an icon. Love the illustrations too!
Thanks NetGalley for this ARC!
Immediately seeing this beautiful Dolly book, I knew I had to read it. She is an icon, and a great role model for children. I loved how the graphics gave an old time feel, yet were up to date and relevant for kids currently. I wished the writing was committed to being rhymes every time, or no rhyming at all. The mixture between felt like a disconnect. I would have loved to see the writing to be all rhymes personally. Regardless though, a great story and a book I'd recommend to others for their kids' collection.
Dolly Parton is such a great person and this book is a great book about her chasing her dreams. The illustrations are gorgeous!
I've lived in Tennessee all my life. If you are a Tennessean it's impossible to not love Dolly. I've never met a soul that doesn't love this woman. She's so talented and an absolute sweetheart. She's pretty much the Queen of Tennessee, that's what I call her. She does so much for the people of Tennessee and people all over the world. She gives and gives and gives and never asks for anything in return. Her Imaginary Library has given millions of books to children who may otherwise not have the opportunity to have fun books to read. Everyone around here is constantly going to Dollywood and if you are lucky you get to see her there. "Dazzlin Dolly" is a sweet little book that tells Dolly's story. Reading this was so fun and somehow felt nostalgic even though I've never read it before. And I'm not sure why but as soon as I started reading it, my southern accent went from zero to one hundred real quick. I usually don't have much of an accent but this book just brought it out of me. It was a lot of fun. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes Dolly, country music, Tennessee, or just loves good people.
Thank you so much NetGalley for giving me a sneak peek of this fun book about Queen Dolly.
This was such a cute take on @dollyparton story. I love her enthusiasm for reading and continuously helping children have access to books. Dolly is one of my favorite stars.
This book is a children’s book about Dolly’s journey to stardom and so much more. She didn’t come from a wealthy home, she wasn’t an only child, and not everyone was happy about her pursuing her musical career, but she followed her dreams anyway.
This book teaches children to follow their dreams and passions. It shows them that sometimes people aren’t going to be happy about it, and sometimes those people are your family, but you’ve got to do it for you, anyway.
I highly recommend!!
Thank you NetGalley and Astra Publishing House for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I love Dolly Parton and I was super excited to see this book available for request. The cover is stunning, as are the illustrations inside! The drawings are amazing and capture Dolly and the Smoky Mountains really well. I highly recommend this one!
Thoroughly impressed!!!
Thank you, Astra Publishing House, for the advanced reading copy.
I would say the contents have more dazzling illustrations and story to tell more than the cover!
I got to learn a lot more about the singer's life than I did. And I would say it's such a fun, good read considering everything about a short, concise beginner friendly non-fiction biographical picture book.
Love the illustrations. They are outstanding. The presentation is perfect and I appreciate the information given towards the end.
Totally worth it. Get this book!