Linda Williams (4)

The Barbie and Friends Book Club series comprises of four different categories; careers, every day adventures, mysteries and imagination/fantasy reads. Each book picks one of those ideas and runs with it crafting a positive feel good read for young girls. The series tackles a wide range of concerns including bullying, body image, jealousy and self-worth and some of these issues are rather confronting for readers - and while realistic, could perhaps be taken negatively in some readers. That said, each book does end with a conclusive positive message encouraging kindness and support.

A Special Ballerina falls into the careers category and addresses body image/confidence and bullying. Katie loves to dance but when she doesn't want to participate in The Nutcracker Barbie finds out why. Katie is concerned about her weight and look and abilities and is worried she isn't cut out to be a ballerina. The source of conflict - body image was harped on more than it probably should for the target age - but I also think it's important to address these issues with kids as well - to encourage them to be healthy and strong and happy with themselves.

The conflict goes on for quite a while but it does redeem itself with the message and advice it gives. Barbie tells Katie that Nicky (the boy calling her names) is not the problem, the problem is Katie because she doesn't like herself. Barbie says everyone is different and special and if she takes care of herself by eating right and getting lots of sleep and exercising she will feel better about herself. She goes onto say Katie is special and that she should just be herself. Katie follows her advice and eats vegetables and fruit instead of cookies and practises her ballet routine and gets to sleep early and feels better about herself. Her friends are all really supportive and understanding which was nice.

It's not a perfect book - the idea of a what 10 year old? depriving herself of food and not wanting to look at herself in the mirror or get changed in front of other girls is confronting - but to be fair - it is pretty realistic. Honestly this book is probably for an older audience but it's too simplistic to interest them. 2 stars because the content is for an older audience - while I agree these issues should be addressed in a young audience - I don't think giving them ideas about depriving themselves of food is appropriate.… (plus d'informations)