Alex Aster Loved Barbies as a Child. Now She’s the Author of the First-Ever Barbie Novel (Exclusive)

Alex Aster, a New York Times bestselling author, has made a significant leap in her literary career with the release of ‘Barbie: Dreamscape,’ the first official novel centred around the iconic Mattel character. This collaboration with Mattel not only celebrates Aster’s childhood experiences but also marks a new chapter in the beloved doll’s narrative history.

Having penned several notable works, including her fantastical young adult series ‘Lightlark’ and the romance ‘Summer in the City’, Aster describes this new venture as a blend of nostalgia and creativity. Her admiration for Barbie dates back to her childhood when she used to conjure up adventures for her dolls. Looking back, Aster expressed amazement at the journey that brought her to write a book dedicated to Barbie. “My six-year-old self would have never believed I would be asked to write a Barbie book,” she remarked in an exclusive conversation.

Aster acknowledges the pivotal role that Barbie played in nurturing her creative instincts. Reflecting on her formative years, she stated, “As a child, the absence of fears that often come with adulthood allowed my imagination to flourish. You craft stories purely for the joy of creating, uninhibited by notions of failure or judgement.” This sentiment underpins the essence of ‘Barbie: Dreamscape,’ which aims to evoke a sense of wonder and discovery for its readers.

While the novel is Aster’s first utilising a character not solely from her own imagination, she embraced the challenges presented by the established legacy of Barbie. The project was inspired not just by the traditional image of Barbie, but also by the many toys, stories, and even the recent 2023 film by Greta Gerwig. “Rather than feeling restricted by the character, I found it incredibly inspiring,” she explained. The diverse realms Aster has created in the book draw from both the historical and modern incarnations of Barbie.

Aster’s collaboration with Mattel was enhanced by what she described as a “laissez-faire” partnership. She expressed satisfaction regarding the level of creative control she maintained over the project, stating, “From the outset, it was clear that Mattel was open to my vision, allowing me the freedom to explore and write without restriction.” This level of cooperation contributed to a fruitful creative process, as Aster also had the opportunity to engage directly with Mattel’s toys, tapping into various products for inspiration.

Delving deeper into her creative well, Aster found herself reminiscing about Barbie’s presence in popular culture during her upbringing. She revisited some of the classic Barbie computer games and animated films, which offered additional fuel for her imagination. “Rewatching something like ‘Barbie Rapunzel’, with its magical storytelling, rekindled my love for narrative,” she shared, noting how these influences shaped her perspective on storytelling.

Targeted primarily at readers aged 12 and above, ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’ is crafted to be an adventure of self-discovery that provides meaningful lessons relevant to all ages. “I hope that readers can find happiness and hope within these pages, regardless of what they might be feeling when they begin the book,” Aster remarked. Her intention was to create a piece that resonates widely, offering a space for readers to reflect on their own journeys.

With its official release, ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’ stands at the intersection of childhood nostalgia and contemporary storytelling. It invites readers to not only celebrate the legacy of Barbie but also to engage in a journey of imagination and reflection. Aster’s tangible love for the creative process shines through, presenting a narrative that encourages optimism and exploration.

The novel is now available at retailers, allowing readers to join Alex Aster on this enchanting adventure. As both a testament to Aster’s growth as a writer and Barbie’s enduring appeal, ‘Barbie: Dreamscape’ represents a hopeful beginning for new storytelling possibilities involving one of the world’s most recognised dolls.