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 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.
Written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, this is a delightful picture book about standing up to people (and dogs) who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams.
Erica S. Perl is the author of many popular children's books, including The Three Little Guinea Pigs (illustrated by Amy Young), When Carrot Met Cookie (illustrated by Jonathan Fenske), and Truth or Lie: Dogs! (illustrated by Michael Slack) Erica lives in Washington, D.C., and her family includes two rescue dogs, Clover and Penny. Visit her at ericaperl.com.
MacKenzie Haley is an illustrator whose books include The Ninja Club Sleepover, Pegasisters Go to Camp, and Snitchy Witch, among others. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in illustration from the University of Dayton and currently resides in Louisville, Kentucky. Learn more at mackenziehaley.com.
"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