Jessie Parker

5 to 8 years. The Step Into Reading Level 1 Barbie Horse Show Champ will hook in Barbie fans, but does not really offer a multi-layered storyline. In it Barbie wakes up in a perfect Barbie bedroom and gets ready for a horse show. She grooms her horse Tawny, and then dresses herself in a hot pink glittery ensemble. When Tawny balks at jumping at the show, Barbie entices Tawny with an apple. She doesn't win the blue ribbon that she wants but is happy with the white. What detracts from a possible depth to the story is that Barbie is always in control and wearing her upbeat Barbie smile. Only the picture where Tawny doesn't initially jump does Barbie's expression change. But then it's only surprised versus flummoxed or frustrated. There is no depth to Barbie. Also the sheer amount of hot pink and glitter bounces the eye off the page. The computer illustrations are attractive, but too perfect. One notices the accessories that Barbie and Tawny are wearing versus really feeling excitement about imagining being in nature, with horses, and jumping. Still this book will appeal to emerging readers that are Barbie fans. It is still recommended to public and elementary librarians. It doesn't take long to read and will hopefully draw readers into choosing more books.… (altro)