Inspired by Dolly Parton: Books About Kindness, Imagination and Big Dreams
Dolly Parton was famous around the world for her music, but for millions of children she was also the person who made sure a book arrived through the letterbox.
In 1995, Dolly Parton founded the Imagination Library, inspired by her father, who was unable to read or write. What began as a local programme in Tennessee has grown into a global literacy initiative, gifting more than 300 million books to children around the world. The programme sends a free, carefully selected book to children every month from birth until their fifth birthday. Its book selection is designed to give children stories that spark their imagination, introduce them to new ideas and help them develop a love of reading.
Dolly’s belief was simple: every child should have access to books. Inspired by Dolly and her incredible legacy, we’ve chosen some of our favourite library books that celebrate some of the things she championed throughout her life. Kindness, inclusion, imagination, courage and the confidence to be yourself.
Kindness and Friendship
The Boy with Flowers in His Hair – Jarvis
David is the boy with flowers in his hair, but when his flowers start to fall out, he becomes sad and withdrawn. His best friend wants to help, but isn’t quite sure how. A beautifully simple story about friendship, kindness and being there for someone when they need you.
The Invisible Boy – Trudy Ludwig
Brian is often overlooked at school. Nobody picks him for their teams or invites him to parties, until a new boy arrives and Brian decides to reach out. A gentle story about friendship and inclusion, showing how one small act of kindness can help someone feel seen.
Being Yourself
Elmer is a very unusual elephant. While the rest of the herd are grey, he is covered in bright, colourful patches, and sometimes wishes he could fit in. This much-loved classic is a joyful celebration of difference, individuality and discovering that the things that make us stand out can also be what makes us special.
Julian Is a Mermaid – Jessica Love
On the way home from swimming, Julian sees three women dressed as beautiful mermaids and is inspired to create a costume of his own. With stunning illustrations and very few words, this is a warm and joyful celebration of imagination, self-expression and being accepted for who you are.
Imagination and Creativity
The Most Magnificent Thing – Ashley Spires
A girl and her dog set out to make something magnificent, but things don’t quite go according to plan. As frustration takes over, she discovers that sometimes the best way to create something wonderful is to experiment, make mistakes and try again. A funny and relatable story about creativity and perseverance.
Vashti thinks she can’t draw, until her teacher encourages her to make a simple mark on the page. That tiny dot becomes the beginning of something much bigger. A beautifully simple story about creativity, confidence and having the courage to make your mark.
Celebrating Difference
The Proudest Blue – Ibtihaj Muhammad and S. K. Ali
Faizah is excited to see her sister wear her beautiful blue hijab for the first time at school. But not everyone understands it, and some children make unkind comments. Told through Faizah’s eyes, this is a thoughtful story about family, identity, pride and standing up for what is right.
Perfectly Norman – Tom Percival
Norman has always been perfectly normal – until he grows a pair of wings. Worried about what everyone will think, he hides them and tries to fit in. A charming story about difference, self-acceptance and finding the confidence to show the world who you really are.
Dream Big
The Little Engine That Could – Watty Piper
A little blue engine agrees to help a stranded train carry its cargo over the mountain. The journey looks impossible, but the little engine keeps going. With its famous message about believing in yourself and persevering when things get difficult, it’s a fitting choice for a Dolly-inspired reading list.
The Lion Inside – Rachel Bright and Jim Field
Mouse is small, but dreams of being brave and confident like Lion. So he sets off to find his own inner roar, only to discover that courage isn’t always about being the biggest or loudest. A funny and colourful story about confidence, bravery and believing in yourself.
Discover More Books at Your Local Library
Enjoyed exploring these Dolly-inspired stories? There are plenty more books waiting to be discovered at your local library.
From picture books and early readers to fiction, non-fiction, eBooks and audiobooks, Libraries Unlimited libraries across Devon and Torbay have something for every reader.
Search the Libraries Unlimited catalogue to find your next read, or join your local library for free and start borrowing books today.
