Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Comes Home for Christmas

K-Gr 2--Any fan of Dolly Parton knows she has a soft spot for Christmas--see her many Christmas songs, albums, specials, and movies--so it seems natural that her "Billy the Kid" picture book series would have a holiday entry. In this follow-up to Billy the Kid Makes it Big, Billy, a French bulldog and a famous musician, is on tour with his band and trying to find a way to get back to his family despite his busy schedule. When his tour bus breaks down, Billy must face the reality that his Christmas dreams may not come true. The premise is simple but heartfelt and effective, thanks to that Dolly Parton charm and enough Easter eggs for her fans (like Billy's song "Barking 9 to 5"). Parton and Perl manage to avoid tilting into heavy-handedness, allowing readers to draw their own conclusions about Billy's inner turmoil under the glitz and glam. There is even an au courant message about the pressures of fame and wanting to live a normal life outside of the spotlight. Back matter includes lyrics to Parton's song "Comin' Home for Christmas." VERDICT While not an essential purchase, libraries where holiday titles are popular may want to get their paws on this adorable book.--Alexandra Quay

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"The premise is simple but heartfelt and effective, thanks to that Dolly Parton charm and enough Easter eggs for her fans (like Billy's song "Barking 9 to 5")." —School Library Journal