Dolly Parton Book Club List – 40 Book Recommendations

Dolly Parton, the illustrious Queen of Country, is not only known for her legendary music career 

but also for her advocacy of literacy and the magic of storytelling. Her love of books has encouraged countless fans to embrace the world of literature.

One of her heartwarming initiatives is Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which brings the joy of reading to children worldwide. It provides carefully selected high-quality books that are age-appropriate, engaging, and foster a lifelong love for literature. This program provides children up to 5 years of age with a monthly personalized book for free, with the child’s name and sent straight to his home. It’s a thoughtful gesture that ignites a love for reading and shows kids that someone cares about their education and well-being.

The first book a child receives is a customized version of “The Little Engine That Could™.” As the child approaches their fifth birthday, they will receive another book, “Look Out Kindergarten, Here I Come!” (customized version), to celebrate their growth and encourage their continued love for reading. Explore our extensive book list for The Dolly Parton Book Club – a collection of 40 incredible recommendations, categorized by year.

For Children Born in 2023

Baby! Talk!

“Baby! Talk!” by Penny Gentieu is a delightful book that introduces young children to the world of language and communication. Through colorful illustrations and captivating rhymes, the book encourages parents and caregivers to interact with their little ones by mimicking the sounds and expressions of babies. 

This playful approach helps nurture early language development and strengthens the bond between parent and child. Baby! Talk! is an essential read for families seeking to support their child’s growth in a fun and interactive way, making it a perfect addition to any early reader’s library.

Pudgy Pat A Cake

Join Pudgy, the adorable and curious bunny, as he discovers the joy of pat-a-cake! In this heartwarming tale by Grosset & Dunlap, watch Pudgy learn the classic nursery rhyme while making new friends and exploring the world around him. 

With delightful illustrations and a charming narrative, “Pudgy Pat A Cake” captures the hearts of young readers and parents, creating cherished memories and fostering a love for reading.

Who Says Quack?

“Who Says Quack?” by Jerry Smith is a delightful, interactive board book that introduces young readers to various animal sounds. Through captivating illustrations and engaging rhymes, children embark on a journey to meet different animals and learn the unique sounds each one makes. 

This charming book not only entertains but also helps develop early language skills as little ones discover who says “quack,” “moo,” “baa,” and more. Perfect for storytime or bedtime, “Who Says Quack?” is a family favorite!

Look at the Animals

“Look at the Animals” is a beautifully illustrated and engaging picture book that takes young readers on an exciting adventure through the animal kingdom. With each page, children will discover vibrant illustrations of various animals, learning about their habitats, behaviors, and unique characteristics. 

“Look at the Animals” encourages curiosity while teaching valuable lessons about the natural world. A perfect read for budding animal lovers, this book sparks joy and imagination in the hearts of young readers.

Baby Sounds

Babies are great listeners, even before they learn to speak! This charming book introduces your little one to 14 familiar sounds they’ll encounter every day. It also brings the bustling world around them to life, helping expand their sensory awareness and vocabulary. 

From cheerful birds to playful splashes of water, each sound captivates the baby’s imagination. Designed for tiny hands, “Baby Sounds” is a perfect standalone or a heartwarming companion to Baby Signs.

Pudgy Book of Mother Goose

Discover the enchanting world of Mother Goose in the charming “Pudgy Book of Mother Goose” by Richard Walz. This delightfully illustrated, sturdy book brings Humpty Dumpty, Little Boy Blue, and other beloved nursery rhymes for children to cherish. 

Perfect for cozy storytimes, this collection will spark young imaginations and create lasting memories as little ones explore the timeless magic of classic rhymes.

Sleep Tight, Polar Bear (Little Loves)

Dive into the heartwarming “Sleep Tight, Polar Bear (Little Loves)” by Sabina Gibson and follow a lovable polar bear cub and her fuzzy arctic pals as they settle in for a snug, snowy night. 

This book series captures the daily life of adorable polar families, showcasing tender moments from morning to bedtime. Experience seal pups snoozing and narwhals counting fish as they gently drift off to sleep in this enchanting tale, perfect for your little one’s bedtime routine.

For Children Born in 2022

Corduroy’s Shapes

Discover the world of shapes with the beloved teddy bear, Corduroy, in MaryJo Scott’s “Corduroy’s Shapes.” Join him on a delightful picnic adventure, where you’ll explore various shapes like a circle cake and a diamond-shaped kite. 

This book features minimal text and vibrant illustrations, perfect for young readers beginning their learning journey. Get ready to share the magic of shapes with your little one and create cherished memories alongside Corduroy!

Good Morning Farm Friends

Welcome the day with “Good Morning, Farm Friends” by Annie Bach. This book captures the excitement of farm animals waking up and preparing for a busy day. Ideal for young readers, this charming tale features fun rhyming text and vibrant illustrations that bring the bustling farm to life. 

Follow pigs, cows, and horses as they start their day, and watch the rooster ensure everyone’s awake. It is sure to brighten your little one’s morning routine.

Eric Carle’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and Other Nursery Rhymes

Step into the enchanting world of nursery rhymes with “Eric Carle’s Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star, and Other Nursery Rhymes.” This book is designed for little hands and brings to life five classic rhymes with engaging lift-the-flap elements on every page. 

Revisit beloved favorites like “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” “Old MacDonald Had a Farm,” “Hickory Dickory Dock,” “The Itsy-Bitsy Spider,” and “The Wheels on the Bus.” 

The Very Hungry Caterpillar’s First Summer

Embrace the joys of summer with “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” and friends in this exploration of the sunny season by Eric Carle! Discover the many ways to enjoy a warm, sunny day as young readers learn about various sensory experiences – from listening to noisy bugs and basking in the sunshine, to savoring the delicious scents of a cookout. 

This charming book will bring little ones into the wonders of summer and create unforgettable memories with their favorite characters!

Richard Scarry’s First 100 Words

Discover the bustling world of Busytown with this charming Richard Scarry board book, perfect for babies and toddlers aged 0-3! Meet lovable friends Lowly Worm and Huckle Cat while learning 100 essential first words. This book features vibrant illustrations of everyday items from Scarry’s popular Busytown books, offering fun discoveries on every page. 

Little Poems for Tiny Ears

The “Little Poems for Tiny Ears” is a charming collection of baby poems by the dynamic duo, Lin Oliver and Tomie dePaola. Perfect for baby showers and first birthdays, these enchanting original poems celebrate the everyday moments that captivate little ones, from playing peekaboo to splashing at bath time. 

With contagious rhythm and rhyme, this inviting picture book introduces young children to the joy of poetry.

Home Builders

Explore the enchanting world of woodland creatures in “The Home Builders” by Varsha Bajaj. This beautifully illustrated picture book celebrates the lives of animals as they create homes and prepare for their young. 

Journey through serene forests where animal parents diligently dig, tunnel, gnaw, and gather materials to build cozy nests, dens, and lodges. Soon, the woods come alive with adorable little ones, ready to explore and snuggle. 

With captivating artwork, little ones will be eager to join these charming creatures in their lovely woodland home.

For Children Born in 2021

Dandelion Magic

Looking for a fun and interactive adventure for your little one? Check out “Dandelion Magic” by Darren Farrell. Jonah’s nana always said that some dandelions grant wishes. 

With the help of engaging sensory activities like blowing the wind, making faces, and doing raspberries, children can set sail with Jonah on his pirate journey through choppy waters and fascinating sea monsters. This enchanting tale inspires imaginative play and a love of reading!

Green Tractor

Join Green Tractor in this delightful tale that celebrates teamwork, farm life, and the anticipation of a fun-filled Harvest Day adventure for children!

“Green Tractor” by Kersten Hamilton follows the beloved machine as it helps its farmer friend prepare for pumpkin races before proudly pulling a wagon for an exhilarating hayride. Young readers will surely fall in love and learn about the joys of farm life.

I Am a Rainbow

“I Am a Rainbow” by Mark Kanemura tells the heartwarming story of Mark, who loves putting on shows, dressing up, and dancing. While his unique light brings joy at home, it leads to teasing at school. 

Mark’s parents give him a stunning cape to remind him of his brilliance and empower him to befriend other vibrant kids in Honolulu. But when his cape goes missing, Mark sets out on an adventure to rediscover his innate radiance that had been shining all along. This real-life-inspired story celebrates self-acceptance and encourages children to embrace their uniqueness.

I Hear a Pickle

“I Hear a Pickle” by Caldecott Honor winner Rachel Isadora is a delightful introduction to the five senses, perfect for young children. Through charming vignettes of everyday activities, kids will recognize themselves while discovering the wonders of hearing, smelling, seeing, touching, and tasting. 

From hearing birds sing to tasting favorite foods, Isadora’s lively art captures the power and joy of each sense, encouraging little ones to explore and appreciate the world around them in new and exciting ways.

Birding for Babies: Backyard Birds

Introducing “Birding for Babies: Backyard Birds” by Chloe Goodhart that’s packed with fun facts and invites young readers to dive into the fascinating world of bird-watching. 

Children will explore the captivating beauty of backyard birds, from two red-bellied woodpeckers to eight northern mockingbirds, all while learning their numbers. This engaging and educational book encourages the whole family to step outdoors and share the joy of bird-watching, fostering a love for nature in young minds.

The Big Slide

“The Big Slide” by Daniel Kirk is a tale of facing fears and finding courage through friendship. Little Pup, who isn’t so little anymore, longs to try the playground’s slide but struggles to muster the bravery needed. When he meets Little Duck, who shares the same fear, they support each other in overcoming their apprehension and discover the joy of trying something new. 

This relatable and endearing story encourages children to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences with the help of friends.

Ice Cream Face

Heidi Woodward Sheffield’s “Ice Cream Face” is a delightful story exploring a range of emotions through a child’s love for ice cream. Our ice-cream-loving protagonist believes every meal should include this frozen treat, but waiting in line while others enjoy theirs can be frustrating. 

Witness his mad “no-ice-cream-yet, waiting-in-a-long-line face” transform into something sweet once he finally gets his cone. This charming tale gently teaches children about patience, understanding emotions, and finding joy in life’s simple pleasures.

For Children Born in 2020

A Story for Small Bear

“A Story for Small Bear” by Alice B. McGinty tells about the magic of autumn’s end and the cozy moments shared between Small Bear and Mama as they prepare for hibernation. Full of adventure and wonder, Small Bear sets out on a journey to ready their den, while eagerly anticipating Mama’s enchanting stories. 

This captivating book weaves together the beauty of nature, the excitement of exploration, and the tender bond between parent and child, creating an unforgettable reading experience.

This is the Tree We Planted

As a class plants a tree and watches it grow, they marvel at the thriving ecosystem it creates – from robins protecting their eggs to lizards stalking spiders. This story inspires young readers to develop a love for nature and appreciate the vibrant world in their backyards, fostering curiosity and a deeper connection to their environment. 

With “This Is the Tree We Planted,” beloved children’s book creator Kate McMullan encourages kids to cultivate a love of nature.

Richard Scarry’s Busy Busy People

Dive into the bustling world of Richard Scarry’s Busytown, where countless jobs await, and charming characters like Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm keep things running smoothly. This engaging book, perfect for boys and girls aged 0-3, introduces young readers to the lovable residents of Busytown. 

Through captivating illustrations and delightful storytelling, children will discover the joy of teamwork and the importance of community, sparking their curiosity and imagination. 

Baby Builders

Join an adorable team of toddlers donning hard hats, safety goggles, and work boots as they bring their playhouse blueprint to life. With excavators, shovels, and bulldozers, these little builders tirelessly worked together to build their dream playhouse.

The lively rhymes perfectly complement the energetic illustrations, captivating young readers and sparking their imaginations. This story celebrates teamwork, creativity, and the joy of building something special from the ground up. Let the fun begin with “Baby Builders” by Elissa Haden Guest.

Just Try One Bite

In “Just Try One Bite” by Adam Mansbach, three kids embark on a mission to persuade their picky parents to put down their unhealthy treats and give wholesome foods a chance. Through playful rhymes and amusing scenarios, children will delight in the role reversal as they witness their peers outsmarting the gagging, stubborn adults who resist trying broccoli and kale. 

This entertaining and clever story empowers young readers to embrace healthier choices while showcasing the joy of reading aloud and the importance of perseverance. 

The Snowy Day

Step into the enchanting world of a little boy named Peter as he dons his snowsuit and captures the hearts of millions. This timeless tale captures a child’s awe and delight in discovering a snowy wonderland, igniting the desire to cherish these magical moments forever. 

Perfect for cozy winter day reading, “The Snowy Day” invites children to share in Peter’s delightful adventures and experience the joy and innocence of childhood wonder. Embrace the magic and warmth of this tale.

How We Say I Love You

In “How We Say I Love You,” Nicole Chen discovers the countless ways families express their love for one another through heartwarming daily gestures. Join Hana as she experiences love in her family’s actions: Mom’s lovingly prepared xifan, Dad’s supportive cheers at soccer games, and tender bedtime rituals with her grandparents. 

This book invites children to embrace the warmth of familial love and encourages them to share their unique ways of expressing affection. 

For Children Born in 2019

Milo’s Hat Trick

In “Milo’s Hat Trick” by Jon Agee, join Milo the Magnificent, the world’s least impressive magician, on a thrilling adventure to save his act. When tasked with pulling a rabbit from his hat, Milo accidentally enlists the help of a bear instead. 

As they race against time to retrieve Milo’s hat and the bear left on a train, young minds will be captivated by this hilarious, heartwarming tale. Filled with unexpected twists, “Milo’s Hat Trick” celebrates perseverance, friendship, and the magic of believing in oneself. 

Find Fergus

Join loveable Fergus, who’s terrible at playing hide-and-seek, as he tries to blend in with bunnies, squirrels, and even a tiny tree. But the fun doesn’t stop there – the last two pages unfold into a giant panoramic look-and-find scene, challenging young readers to spot Fergus and other hidden details. 

With hours of captivating play value, children will be eager to return to this adventure time and time again. Prepare for laughter and surprises in “Find Fergus” by Mike Boldt!

There’s a Monster in Your Book

In “There’s a Monster in Your Book,” author Tom Fletcher invites young readers on an interactive adventure to free a mischievous monster trapped inside the pages. Children will love coaxing the adorable creature out of hiding by shaking, tilting, and spinning the book with each turn.

This story ignites a child’s imagination and motivates them to actively participate in the narrative, cultivating a fun, immersive reading experience.

Alex’s Good Fortune

Join Alex and her best friend Ethan as they celebrate Chinese New Year, the most celebrated holiday for Alex’s family. They immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions, from joining the parade and making the dragon dance to tidying up, decorating, and preparing delicious dumplings. 

As the festivities continue with red envelopes, a grand feast, and the enchanting lantern festival, young readers will be captivated by this exciting, easy-to-read story that bridges the gap between beginner and fluent reading. With fun facts about the holiday included, “Alex’s Good Fortune” is a tale that children will want to revisit time and time. Let the celebrations begin!

Goldilocks & the Three Bears

In Jan Brett’s beautifully illustrated rendition of “Goldilocks and the Three Bears,” the classic tale comes alive as young Goldilocks stumbles upon the bears’ cozy woodland home. Curiosity leads her to explore, tasting their porridge, sitting in their chairs, and resting in their beds. 

The unexpected return of the bear family adds suspense and teaches a valuable lesson about respecting others’ belongings. This enchanting retelling captivates young minds with its vibrant artwork and timeless storyline.

The Night Before the Dentist

Natasha Wing’s “The Night Before the Dentist” is a tale that eases children’s fears about visiting the dentist. Through relatable characters and charming rhymes, young readers follow a child’s journey as they prepare for their dental appointment. 

The story teaches the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene and embracing new experiences with a positive attitude. This book enlightens children about the fun and rewarding benefits of taking care of their teeth.

For Children Born in 2018

Spend It!

In “Spend It!” by Cinders McLeod, join young Sonny as he navigates the world of personal finance with his weekly allowance of three carrots. Overflowing with excitement, Sonny dreams of buying everything he desires, only to face the reality of limited funds. Throughout this story, Sonny learns the importance of making wise choices and discovering what truly matters to him. 

“Spend It!” playfully teaches children about money management and the value of prioritizing expenses.

In Our Garden

“In Our Garden” is another heartwarming story that teaches children the value of perseverance, collaboration, and embracing change while showing how gardens can nurture plants and friendships. 

Follow the story of Millie, a young girl who moves to a new city and yearns for the garden she left behind. Driven to recreate that connection, Millie imagines a rooftop garden at her school. You’ll witness the humble beginnings of planting seeds and building beds, leading to the joyous bounty of the harvest. This moving tale is a journey through what it means to feel at home in a new place.

You Can Be ABCs

Discover the world of exciting career possibilities in this alphabet book, where every letter represents a unique profession! From architects to biochemists, computer software developers to zoologists, “You Can Be ABCs” by Robert Samuel White encourages children to explore their passions and strive for their dreams. 

Featuring six-year-old social media sensation Sam White and his dad, Bobby, this charming book inspires kids to put their heart into everything they do and reach for the stars. 

Wonder Walker

Join two curious children on a magical journey in “Wonder Walkers” by Micha Archer as they explore the world around them with boundless imagination. Through their “wonder walk,” they ask thought-provoking questions about the sun, dirt, rivers, and wind, sparking curiosity and creativity. 

This enchanting book encourages young readers to observe the world with fresh eyes, make connections, and let their imaginations soar. Delve into the beautiful pages of “Wonder Walkers” and rediscover the awe-inspiring wonders of our incredible world!

I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared

Meet Bear, a timid creature who struggles with fear, and Rabbit, his brave and loyal friend. In “I’m Not Scared, You’re Scared” by Seth Meyers, Rabbit encourages Bear to face his fears and go on an adventure together. Although their journey doesn’t go as expected, the two friends discover the true meaning of bravery through laughter and heartwarming moments. 

This story, brought to life by one of America’s favorite comedians, inspires children to embrace their adventurous spirit while tickling their funny bones. 

Rabbit’s Snow Dance

Explore a winter adventure with Rabbit in “Rabbit’s Snow Dance” by Joseph and James Bruchac, where children discover the magic of friendship, responsibility, and understanding. 

Rabbit’s enchanting dance, accompanied by an Iroquois drum and song, can summon snow even in the summer. When Rabbit brings winter early, the other forest animals face challenges.

This tale teaches children the importance of empathy, cooperation, and considering the needs of others in their actions. So, hop along and experience the wonder of “Rabbit’s Snow Dance!”

Final Thoughts

Our list of the Dolly Parton Book Club List – 40 Book Recommendations has been inspired by Dolly’s love for storytelling and her warm spirit. With different genres, there’s a story to captivate every young mind.

Dolly Parton’s book club aims to spark a passion for reading, nurture curiosity, and foster personal growth among young readers. Let’s honor the Queen of Country by spreading the magic and joy of reading to the next generation. 

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