For The Monkees legend, creativity runs in the family. Micky Dolenz recently announced a touching new project that brings him together with his daughter, Ami Dolenz. The pair has co-created a children’s book titled Lala Toot Toot, which tells the story of a little boy whose music ends up saving the day. The new collaboration blends Dolenz’s imaginative storytelling with Ami’s artistic talent, creating a family project that celebrates both their shared love for creativity and the lasting bond between father and daughter.
According to Parade, the idea began when Micky Dolenz, now 80, imagined a tale about the discovery of a rudimentary musical instrument. He soon realized the perfect illustrator was close to home. “Who’s got a degree in children’s illustration from the Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver, Canada? Oh my goodness, it’s my daughter Ami!” he said. The singer couldn’t have been prouder to highlight Micky Dolenz’s daughter and her talent, calling her watercolor-and-ink artwork “beautiful” and full of life.
A Creative Father-Daughter Partnership
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Lala Toot Toot marks Micky’s second children’s book and Ami’s debut as an illustrator. The project shows a new side of Micky Dolenz’s daughter, who originally found fame as an actress in the 1980s before turning her focus to visual art. Ami shared that she immediately fell in love with her father’s story idea, choosing watercolor for its “loose” and expressive style. Together, the pair’s collaboration reflects both nostalgia and artistic growth—a continuation of the Dolenz family’s creative spirit that began with The Monkees.
The book also carries personal meaning for Dolenz. He described the story as part of his “anthro-mythology” series—stories that reimagine the early moments of human creativity. This time, though, the experience is all the more special because Micky Dolenz’s daughter helped bring it to life. Fans can expect signed copies from both father and daughter for pre-orders made through Dolenz’s official site, making Lala Toot Toot a keepsake that celebrates love, art, and family legacy.
Ami Dolenz’s Artistic Journey
While fans may remember Ami from her acting days in Can’t Buy Me Love and General Hospital, her journey toward art was a natural evolution. In an interview, she revealed how moving to Canada sparked her passion for illustration. “When I got here, I fell in love with art,” she explained, recalling how a few community classes led to formal studies and eventually a new career. Now, Micky Dolenz’s daughter continues to thrive as an illustrator, channeling her creative energy into a partnership that honors her father’s legacy while carving out her own artistic path.
Their new book captures both their talents—Micky’s imagination and Ami’s heart—in one timeless project. For fans of The Monkees and anyone who loves seeing creativity passed down through generations, this collaboration is a touching reminder that family and art often go hand in hand.