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.

• By Cindy Eagan 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.  
• Illustrated by Amy Bates has illustrated books including the Sam the Man series; Sweet Dreams and That’s What I’d Do, both by singer-songwriter Jewel; and Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan