Photo by Briana Scroggins

Fans take pictures of Dolly Parton at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge on Friday during the launch of her latest children’s book, “I Am a Rainbow.”

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PIGEON FORGE - When she was a girl, Dolly Parton found inspiration in a book about an oddly confident train.

"I liked 'The Little Engine That Could.' I liked that (part of the story that says) 'I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.' I always say I was the Little Engine That Did," she said with a laugh during an interview on Friday.

The superstar is hoping her latest tome - the children's book "I Am a Rainbow" - will be just as inspirational. The book had its official launch Friday at Dollywood.

Sale proceeds will benefit Parton's Imagination Library, which provides preschoolers with books every month. The library's function is to inspire children to read at an early age.

Parton wrote her "Rainbow" book three years ago.

"The idea came from the fact we all relate our emotions to colors," Parton said. "When you're jealous, you're green with envy. When you're a coward, you're yellow. When you're rosy, you're pink.

"So the idea came from that. I thought it would be the perfect little vehicle for a (children's) book.

"We all have those colors. We all have those feelings. That's all good, but it's how you deal with those feelings that makes a difference."

Heather Sheffield, the daughter of a longtime Parton friend, illustrated the book.

"The book has such a clear directive," Sheffield said. "It was easy to illustrate. I hope there will be more of them to do."

"Rainbow" is Parton's second children's book. Her first was "Coat of Many Colors," which talked of finding hope out of shame. "Coat" was such a big seller that major publishers asked Parton to pen more children's books.

"Rainbow" is now available at major book retailers. Children getting books through the Imagination Library will get it free.

As far as Parton is concerned, it's easier to write a song than a children's book. "It can be tricky," she said.

"You want to make sure you get the message through in what you write."

Terry Morrow may be reached at morrowt@knoxville.com or 865-342-6445. His blog can be found at http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/telebuddy/. He contributes to "Live At Five At Four" on WBIR, Channel 10, and "The Marc & Kim & Frank Show" on WWST-FM, 102.1.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel
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