I Am Dolly Parton written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by
Christopher Eliopoulos is the 28th addition to the excellent “Ordinary People Change the World” series. This non-fiction picture book is full of interesting facts about this marvelous singer, composer and philanthropist who was born in 1946 in East Tennessee.
Dolly Parton, the fourth of twelve children, first lived in a one-room cabin and then in a two-room shack. The family was poor as far as physical things are concerned but rich in love. Her mother read Bible stories to her as well as children’s books-----her favorite book was The Little Engine that Could.
She first started to sing at home with much encouragement and a microphone made from a tin can! Then, she began singing at church where she amazed churchgoers with her voice, commitment to hymns, and her love of performance. Her first radio performance was at 10 years of age. And she first sang at the Grand Ole Opry at the age of 13. She was introduced by Johnny Cash.
Throughout the book the reader is reminded by Dolly to be proud of who you are and never let go of your dreams. Dolly wrote over 3,000 songs and established the Dollywood Foundation as well as the Imagination Library-----which has gifted over 180 million books to children around the world! The back materials include a useful timeline and a nifty illustration of the folks who helped her along her way and friends such as Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers and Tammy Wynette.
I Am Dolly Parton is written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos is a lovely story about courage, talent, love and philanthropy for readers 7-10 years of age ( Dial Books for Young Readers/ Penguin Random House, 2022).
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Activity Questions for I Am Dolly Parton
Look at the illustration that shows Dolly and her family and friends playing music using “mountain music instruments” and find the following: a harmonica, a banjo, a ukulele, a violin, spoons, a guitar and a jug!
Get a copy of Dolly’s favorite childhood book, The Little Engine that Could. Read the little engine’s words “I think I can, I think I can.” Then reread Dolly’s words, “Whatever mountain gets in your path, keep climbing.” How do these two thoughts relate to each other?
Older readers: Another word of wisdom from Dolly included in this book says that you cannot find a rainbow unless you first have rain. What does this mean to you? Have you ever experienced a rainbow after a hard rain? Have you ever experienced something beautiful after something rather hard? Think about this and draw a picture of your own two-part experience---first the rain and then the rainbow.
If you could establish a charity for children around the world like Dolly Parton has with her Imagination Library what would it be?
