The World of Barbie by Megan Hess

Inspired by Barbie dolls and accessories, fashion illustrator Megan Hess brings to life Barbie’s most iconic places, vehicles, jobs, friends and fashions through the decades. It’s a compendium of Barbie’s wonderful pink world. Ruth Handler invented the original doll for her daughter, Barbara, in 1959, and since then over one billion dolls have been sold around the globe. This book celebrates the world of Barbie.

Barbie’s first dream house was available in 1962, in mid-century style. It only had one room, but it left plenty of room for imagination. It has since become a three-storey place with a pool and a party pad. Then came the Malibu Dream House with a new style, a Barbie Ski Chalet, and a grand hotel.

As for vehicles, this illustrated book showcases Barbie’s 1962 Austin-Healey 3000 two-seat roadster, Ken’s first car, a beach bus, camper van, jeep, sports car, boats, trains, convertible, scooter, helicopter and plane!

For careers, Barbie has been a business woman, first responder, scientist, pilot, doctor, artist, musician, ice skater, astronaut and sports player, showing that girls can do anything!

Her friends along the way have included Ken, Midge, Allan and Christie, and she has had fun celebrating Diwali, Dia de Muertos, Christmas and Lunar New Year.

Of course, fashion has always been part of the Barbie world.

Lavishly illustrated, this hardback book offers a fun, fascinating dive into the world of Barbie and will appeal to Barbie lovers of all ages.

Megan Hess has been a Barbie fan since childhood. “I grew up playing with Barbie and imagining fashion shows on my bedroom floor, and she made me feel like I could conquer the world. I hope adults and children around the world find joy and inspiration in this collection, just as Barbie inspired the five-year-old me to follow my dreams and believe anything was possible.”

Reviewer: Karen McMillan

Hardie Grant Books & Hardie Grant Children’s Publishing, in close collaboration with Mattel.