The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her. Cindy Eagan. Illustrated by Amy June Bates. 2017. 40 pages. [Source: Library] [Nonfiction; picture book biography]
First sentence: Ruth Handler loved to invent. She was always thinking of new ideas for fashionable jewelry and dollhouse furniture.
Premise/plot: This is a picture book biography. Is it of Ruth Handler? Yes. In part. Is it of Barbie? Yes. In part. It is perhaps slightly limited in scope. It is the story of how Ruth Handler created/invented/marketed a doll, Barbie. It is about Ruth's vision for the doll, and the ongoing, continuing vision for the doll. That vision, that persona has changed--evolved--through the decades.
My thoughts: I think the 'wow' factor of this one (if it has one) is the artwork. Amy June Bates was able to 'capture' the many, many, many, many, many 'looks' and 'styles' of Barbie as she has involved from 1959 to the book's publication in 2017. These illustrations will pack NOSTALGIA for adult readers. For children, perhaps, more of an opportunity for context and backstory. It might be a good introduction to all Barbie has been and has meant--in the past. Of course, Barbie is never solely defined by her past. She's never solely defined at all.
I think one of the strengths of the narrative of this picture book is that while, yes, Barbie is a "singular" icon packed--for better or worse--with meaning, she is also defined by each and every child who has a doll. She is WHO YOU imagine her to be.
© 2023 Becky Laney of Young Readers
1 comment:
I agree that Barbie is "who I imagined her to be." I have many fond memories of playing with Barbie dolls for hours on end. I played with Barbies until I was about 13 and stopped because I did not want my friends to know I still did this. When I was about 8, a family of older girls gave me their Barbie dolls and Barbie clothes. These were vintage dolls from the early 60s. I treasured them.
Great review.
Post a Comment