How to Select a Barbie Coloring Book

Barbie is the original "All American Girl" and continues to appeal to people of every age. Although the doll is fun to look at, coloring books can provide a more affordable and more interactive way to "play Barbies."

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Select a Barbie Coloring Book

1. Be aware that some Barbie coloring books are toys, while others are considered collectibles that can be quite valuable. If you are giving a "collectible" Barbie coloring book as a gift, make sure the recipient is aware of this status! Coloring in a collectible book will destroy its value.

2. Select a non-collectible Barbie coloring book according to theme. For example, if your child is interested in princesses, choose one of the princess-themed Barbie coloring books. You may want to look for coloring books that pair well with companion books on the theme you choose.

3. Select a Barbie coloring book to go with a particular Barbie doll or with another Barbie-themed gift. For example, you could select a Barbie Nutcracker coloring book to go with a Barbie Nutcracker doll or video.

4. Select a Barbie coloring book with extra touches. The Barbie Color-A-Character My Size Coloring Activity includes accessories like gems and ribbons to make coloring more fun (see Resources below).

5. Go to the source. Golden Books, a Random House imprint, publishes a number of Barbie-themed activity books. Visit the Golden Books website to select current titles (see Resources below).

Find Collectible Coloring Books

6. Go to online auction sites to find and select collectible Barbie coloring books. If you have access to flea markets and antique toy stores, you may find a real treasure, but you may have to pound the pavement to find one in good condition.

7. Try shopping online for older Barbie coloring books at reduced prices (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Buy clear plastic protector bags for collectible Barbie coloring books from any comic book store.
• In lieu of buying a Barbie coloring book, you can print out some of the free Barbie-themed coloring sheets that are available online. Put them in a decorative binding to make your own Barbie coloring book.
• Go beyond coloring books and encourage your child to read by purchasing her a Barbie-themed fiction book.