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The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her (Barbie) Hardcover – Picture Book, September 5, 2017
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After noticing how her daughter played with “grown-up” paper dolls, Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. While others told her it wasn’t possible, Ruth Handler proved them all wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This beautiful hardcover picture book will inspire children ages 3 to 7 to believe that anything is possible—especially with Barbie!
Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything!
- Reading age4 - 8 years
- Print length40 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Grade levelPreschool - 3
- Dimensions8.88 x 0.33 x 11.25 inches
- PublisherRandom House Books for Young Readers
- Publication dateSeptember 5, 2017
- ISBN-100399553789
- ISBN-13978-0399553783
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About the Author
Product details
- Publisher : Random House Books for Young Readers; Illustrated edition (September 5, 2017)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 40 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0399553789
- ISBN-13 : 978-0399553783
- Reading age : 4 - 8 years
- Grade level : Preschool - 3
- Item Weight : 14.1 ounces
- Dimensions : 8.88 x 0.33 x 11.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,890,909 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #14,842 in Children's Biographies (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

Cindy Eagan grew up playing with Barbies. She loved creating stories about them, dressing them, and watching her collection grow. Cindy still has her old Barbie dolls (some without hair, some without clothes, but all sporting glorious smiles) in her childhood bedroom. Every once in a while, she’ll find a tiny plastic high heel on the floor somewhere and is convinced this is a sign of good luck. A former book editor, Cindy is an author and screenwriter. She lives on the Upper East Side in New York City. "The Story of Barbie and the Woman Who Created Her" is her first book for children.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the illustrations charming and sweet. They enjoy reading the book and consider it a nice gift for Barbie fans of all ages. The message is inspirational and a reminder for young readers to act on their ideas and follow their dreams. Readers also mention that the book is easy to read and written at a grade level suitable for young readers.
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Customers find the illustrations charming and sweet. They say the book is perfect for small readers or those being new to reading.
"...It’s sweet and simple and to the point. I even learned things I didn’t know! Illustrations are adorable too. Get the book!" Read more
"For the collector the story is known but the art of book is good, very good." Read more
"...The illustrations were what drew me to purchase it. They were very charming and perfect for small readers or those being read to...." Read more
"This is a very nice ‘storybook’. I liked the illustrations! It’s a nice way to introduce Barbie to children." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They say it's good and their children love it.
"I loved this book and so do my two girls (7 and 2) They ask to read it all the time! It’s sweet and simple and to the point...." Read more
"For the collector the story is known but the art of book is good, very good." Read more
"What a great book. All little girls and big girls as well love Barbie...." Read more
"Good but got it for my 8 year old thinking story would be more informative. It’s too general. The illustration is beautiful." Read more
Customers find the book a nice gift for Barbie fans. It introduces the doll to children and is a good way to introduce it to girls.
"...It is easy to read, has pictures. Perfect for any girl who loves Barbie." Read more
"This is a lovely book for Barbie fans of all ages...." Read more
"...I imagine this would be a perfect gift for any young Barbie doll fan, and even older fans who might delight in the illustrations of vintage Barbie..." Read more
"...I liked the illustrations! It’s a nice way to introduce Barbie to children." Read more
Customers find the book's message inspiring and encouraging. They describe it as a sweet, simple story that gets to the point. The illustrations are also appreciated. Overall, readers find the book a nice read that reminds young readers to act on their ideas and follow their dreams.
"...It’s sweet and simple and to the point. I even learned things I didn’t know! Illustrations are adorable too. Get the book!" Read more
"This is a lovely book for Barbie fans of all ages. Definitely an inspirational story, and a reminder for young readers to act on their ideas and..." Read more
"This is a very nice ‘storybook’. I liked the illustrations! It’s a nice way to introduce Barbie to children." Read more
"...This book is also encouraging for girls to grow up and do anything they try hard to do. Very good book." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read for young readers. They mention it's written on their grade level and perfect for girls who love Barbie.
"Bought this for a 7 yr old girls birthday gift. It is easy to read, has pictures. Perfect for any girl who loves Barbie." Read more
"Definitely written for a five year old" Read more
"this was a gift for my granddaughter,it is written on her grade level. i'm trying to encourage her to read more printed history books...." Read more
"Maybe okay for a very young reader...." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 27, 2023I loved this book and so do my two girls (7 and 2) They ask to read it all the time! It’s sweet and simple and to the point. I even learned things I didn’t know! Illustrations are adorable too. Get the book!
- Reviewed in the United States on March 11, 2025this was a gift for my granddaughter,it is written on her grade level. i'm trying to encourage her to read more printed history books. she big into barbie dolls. so many kids are not interested in history nowadays,and everythings online now. she seem to enjoy the book.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2024Bought this for a 7 yr old girls birthday gift. It is easy to read, has pictures. Perfect for any girl who loves Barbie.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 12, 2023For the collector the story is known but the art of book is good, very good.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2017I knew this book was aimed at children, but I didn't suppose such young children - like 3 - 5.yr old.. But OK . The illustrations were what drew me to purchase it. They were very charming and perfect for small readers or those being read to. There was really very little text to read. I understood what message was being told, but wonder if younger Barbie fans would know. But it would seem the idea was to inform young fans how and where Barbie doll came from, what her history is. Here this history is very brief, but probably as much as a young reader can comprehend at the moment. The message seems to be that if you pursue your dreams, they just might come true -- like Barbara Handler's did. I imagine this would be a perfect gift for any young Barbie doll fan, and even older fans who might delight in the illustrations of vintage Barbie doll and fashions.
- Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2017This is a lovely book for Barbie fans of all ages. Definitely an inspirational story, and a reminder for young readers to act on their ideas and follow their dreams.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 6, 2023My daughter loved it! I love the hard back cover, it’s perfect
- Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2021Definitely written for a five year old
Top reviews from other countries
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Roxana Cortez SobarzoReviewed in Mexico on November 25, 2019
5.0 out of 5 stars Muy hermoso
Me gusto mucho todas las ilustraciones, lo use para coleccionar y aparte lo leemos mis hijas y yo y ellas lo disfrutan mucho.
- Gerry WoottonReviewed in Canada on February 20, 2024
3.0 out of 5 stars Kid's book
A basic book, likely for all ages. Senior women appeared to appreciate it's nostalgic aspects and its kitch.