Barbie Barbies Big Move (Mattel Reader, Level 1) by Courtney Carbone

If you're looking for a charming, accessible book to introduce young readers to the joy of storytelling, Barbie: Barbie’s Big Move by Courtney Carbone is a fantastic choice. Part of the Mattel Reader series (Level 1), this book is designed for children who are just beginning their reading journey. With its simple yet engaging plot, vibrant illustrations, and a beloved character at its center, it’s a book that effortlessly blends entertainment with early literacy skills.

But is it worth adding to your child’s bookshelf? In this detailed review, we’ll explore the plot, characters, writing style, and themes, along with my personal experience reading it. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or Barbie enthusiast, this review will help you decide if Barbie’s Big Move is the right fit for your young reader.

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Barbie’s Big Move follows Barbie as she embarks on an exciting transition—moving to a new house! The story captures her mixed emotions—excitement about a fresh start but also nervousness about leaving behind familiar surroundings.

Without giving away major spoilers, the book takes readers through Barbie’s journey of packing up her belongings, saying goodbye to her old home, and settling into her new space. Along the way, she meets new neighbors, explores her new neighborhood, and learns that change, while sometimes scary, can lead to wonderful new experiences.

The plot is straightforward, making it perfect for early readers (ages 4-7), but it also carries an underlying message about adaptability and positivity, which parents and educators will appreciate.

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Barbie has always been a cultural icon, but in this book, she’s portrayed in a way that makes her relatable to young children. She’s not just a glamorous doll—she’s a character who experiences real emotions like excitement, hesitation, and joy.

• Barbie’s Emotional Journey – The book does a great job of showing her initial reluctance about moving, making her a sympathetic protagonist for kids who may have faced similar changes (like starting school or moving homes).
• Supporting Characters – While the focus is on Barbie, the new friends she meets add warmth to the story, reinforcing the idea that new beginnings can bring new friendships.

This portrayal makes Barbie more than just a toy—she becomes a positive role model for resilience and optimism.

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Courtney Carbone’s writing is clear, simple, and engaging, tailored perfectly for Level 1 readers. Key features include:

• Short, easy-to-read sentences – Ideal for kids who are just starting to read independently.
• Repetition of key words – Helps reinforce vocabulary.
• Vibrant illustrations – The colorful visuals complement the text, keeping young readers engaged.

The book also includes sight words and phonics-friendly language, making it a great tool for early literacy development.

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Beyond its simple storyline, Barbie’s Big Move touches on universal themes that resonate with young children:

• Embracing Change – Moving can be intimidating, but Barbie shows that it can also be an adventure.
• Making New Friends – A great lesson for kids who might feel shy in new environments.
• Positive Attitude – The story subtly encourages readers to focus on the good in new situations.

These themes make the book more than just a fun read—it’s a gentle life lesson wrapped in an entertaining package.

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As someone who read this with a young child, I was impressed by how engaging and relatable the story was. The bright illustrations kept my little one’s attention, while the simple text allowed them to practice reading with confidence.

What stood out most was how emotionally resonant the story felt—my child could connect with Barbie’s feelings about moving, which led to a great conversation about their own experiences with change.

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Compared to other Level 1 readers (like Step Into Reading or I Can Read! books), Barbie’s Big Move holds its own with:

• Strong brand recognition (kids who love Barbie will be instantly drawn to it).
• A relatable, real-world scenario (unlike some fantasy-based early readers).
• A balance of education and entertainment.

It’s not as phonics-heavy as some dedicated learning books, but it’s a fantastic supplementary reader for kids who enjoy character-driven stories.

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✅ Engaging for Barbie fans – The familiar character makes reading more exciting.
✅ Great for discussions about change – Useful for parents/teachers addressing big transitions.
✅ Perfect readability level – Just challenging enough without being frustrating.

❌ Limited depth – As a Level 1 book, it’s very simple (which is expected, but older kids may outgrow it quickly).
❌ Predictable plot – The story follows a familiar structure, but that’s part of its charm for early readers.

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This book is ideal for:

• Children ages 4-7 (especially those just starting to read).
• Barbie fans who enjoy stories featuring their favorite character.
• Parents/teachers looking for books that address change and new experiences.

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While the book is short, one standout moment is when Barbie says:

"New places can feel scary at first, but they can also be full of surprises!"

This line perfectly encapsulates the book’s positive message.

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Barbie has been a childhood icon since 1959, and books like this continue her legacy as a modern, aspirational, yet relatable figure. In an era where kids face many transitions (moving, new schools, etc.), this book serves as a gentle, reassuring story about adapting to change.

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Barbie’s Big Move is a winning choice for young readers. It combines accessible language, a relatable story, and Barbie’s timeless appeal into a book that’s both fun and meaningful. While it’s not the most complex story, its emotional resonance and educational value make it a great addition to any child’s first library.

🔗 Get the Book: Amazon

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• Have you ever moved to a new place? How did you feel?
• What would you do if you were in Barbie’s shoes?
• What’s your favorite thing about Barbie books?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what you or your little ones think of this book! 📚💖

Get this book on Amazon

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