Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out

Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out
Author(s)
Co-Authors / Illustrators
Age Range
4+
Release Date
December 02, 2025
ISBN
978-0593755020
Buy This Book
     
The New York Times bestsellinng series starring everyone's favorite French bulldog, Billy the Kid, is back! Featuring lyrics to an original song by Dolly Parton, this heartwarming story follows Billy as he ruffs it out on the dance floor...and falls for his cute dance teacher.

Billy the Kid has done it all. He's moved to Nashville, formed a band, and rocked from coast to coast. But there's one thing Billy hasn't done...dance on stage. Dancing makes him nervous. And dancing in front of an audience? No way.

That all changes when Billy and his band nab an exciting gig as the opening act for Dolly Parton's Doggy Dance Pawty. Now, Billy is roping his friends into dance lessons. On the first day, he watches dogs whirl and twirl. But one dancer stands out: his dance teacher, Bella, who is as graceful as she is beautiful, with her auburn curls and a voice as sweet as pie.

Soon, Billy is trying to win Bella's attention. But that's difficult when he's stumbling through dance moves and tripping over his paws. Can Billy nail the dance routine and catch Bella's eye, all before the big dance pawty?

Uplifting and lighthearted, this loving picture book about the importance of trying new things and putting your best paw forward is one the whole family will enjoy.

Editor review

1 review
Colorful and catchy
(Updated: June 04, 2026)
Overall rating
 
3.8
Plot
 
3.0
Characters
 
3.0
Writing Style
 
4.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out is a lively and energetic picture book with a lot of heart and plenty of color. Written by Dolly Parton and Erica S. Perl and brought to life with adorable illustrations by MacKenzie Haley, it offers vibrant visuals and a playful tone that will likely capture the attention of young readers.

The story follows Billy as he dances with joy, following the beat of his own drum. There’s a fun rhythm to the narrative that encourages movement, imagination, and a sense of joy in self-expression. Fans of Dolly Parton’s larger-than-life personality and musical spirit will appreciate the upbeat attitude that threads through the pages.

The plot is simple and mostly catapults from one moment of dancing to the next, which is perfectly fine if your goal is uncomplicated fun, but it doesn’t offer much thematic weight beyond that. Some readers may find themselves wishing for a bit more story substance or emotional nuance.

What truly elevates this book, though, is the illustrations. MacKenzie Haley’s art is vibrant, animated, and full of delightful detail. The characters’ expressions, the lively colors, and the dynamic movement on every page make it a visual treat. Young children in particular will enjoy spending time on each spread, discovering new elements and scenes that extend beyond the text.

One especially nice touch is found in the back matter, where readers will find the song “Bella,” written by Dolly Parton specifically for the book. Including the lyrics adds an extra layer to the story and connects Billy’s love of dancing back to Dolly’s musical roots. It’s a thoughtful bonus that invites families to extend the experience beyond the page, whether by reading, singing, or dancing along, and helps the book feel a bit more complete.

Overall, Dolly Parton’s Billy the Kid Dances His Heart Out is a bright, joyful book with great energy and engaging art. It’s perfect for read-aloud moments, for kids who love music and movement, or as a gift for Dolly Parton fans. While the narrative may not leave a deep impression, the whimsical style and spirited illustrations make it worth a look.
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