Review by Horn Book Review
Eagan's rosy picture-book biography focuses on Ruth Handler's persistence in the face of naysayers and her desire to create dolls that would "encourage girls to be anything they want to be." However, the girl-power message feels forced, and the book lacks resources and back matter for reference. Bates's appealing pastel-colored illustrations exude nostalgia, featuring plenty of iconic Barbie styles and outfits from 1959 to today. (c) Copyright 2018. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Mattel unveiled the iconic Barbie doll at the 1959 Toy Fair, but her journey there was not all smooth sailing. Ruth Handler, a white woman, came up with the idea for Barbie by watching her daughter play with paper dolls that looked more grown-up than her baby dolls. In what could be the most provocative and provoking spread, Ruth pitches Barbie to a team of evidently all-white, male designers at "Ruth and her husband's toy company," who say that the idea is "too different" and "impossible"; this is how readers learn that Ruth is Mattel's co-owner. (Can they actually tell her no?) Their reactions only make Ruth more determined, and two short, explanation-free pages later, the Barbie doll is launched to great success. The commentary also evades the body-image issues that the Barbie doll has created. The book is tolerable in part due to Bates' soft watercolor renderings depicting Barbie's evolving careerstarting with Ballerina, Nurse, Singer, and Flight Attendant and morphing into Barbies who go into space, become veterinarians, and run for president. Barbies of colorof various backgrounds and professionspepper the inside pages and jacket of the package; however, the narrative's relentlessly cheerleading approach and holes may leave readers ungratified. Readers after a truly inspiring story of toy invention should check out Chris Barton and Don Tate's Whoosh! (2016). Leave this substance-free Barbie in the box. (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
