Country legend Dolly Parton is adding another title to her ever-growing list: children’s book author (again!). The icon is releasing her third picture book in the Billy the Kid series, Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out, on December 2 through Penguin Workshop. And yes, it includes a brand-new Dolly original song.
The story follows French bulldog Billy the Kid, Parton’s real-life god-dog and fictional four-legged superstar, as he prepares to open for Dolly’s “Doggy Dance Pawty.” But there’s a catch: Billy has to dance in front of an audience, and stage fright is real, even for a pup with chart-topping hits.
To shake off the nerves, Billy signs up for dance lessons, where he meets Bella, a graceful and captivating teacher who leaves him paw-struck. But impressing Bella proves tricky, and Billy soon finds himself tripping over more than just his own feet. Can he win her attention and nail his routine before the big performance?
Alongside the book, Parton will release a new song titled “Bella,” available the same day as the book. Fans can also expect an audiobook version narrated by Dolly herself.
“I am excited to introduce Bella into Billy’s life in our new book!” Parton says. “Creating stories that are fun, real, and carry life lessons hopefully makes it meaningful for children and their parents to experience the joy of reading together.”
This latest release follows Billy the Kid Makes It Big and Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas, continuing Dolly’s mission to entertain, inspire, and share a little sparkle with the next generation. Pre-order it here now.
