Chilean writer Isabel Allende, one of Latin America’s most widely read Spanish-language authors, will get her very own recycled plastic Barbie doll, along with her dog Perla and a miniature of her first novel.

American toy company Mattel Inc will launch the “Isabel Allende” doll, dressed in a red dress and big earrings, as part of the “Women who inspire». Already in this series there are dolls of the poet Maya Angelou, the journalist Ida B. Wells and the singer Celia Cruz.

“I applaud the initiative of the Barbie brand to inspire the next generation with the stories of unsung heroines. I want kids to aim high,” the author said in her statement.

A few words about Isabel Allende

Allende’s works often mix historical events with fantasy and elements of magical realism. Her first book, The House of the Spirits, was published in 1982 and became an instant bestseller. Since then, she has written dozens of novels, short stories and her memoirs, books that have been translated into more than 40 languages.

Allende fled to Venezuela in 1973 when Chilean President Salvador Allende, who was her father’s cousin, was overthrown in a coup by General Augusto Pinochet. He then lived in the US for more than 30 years, where he taught literature and fought for human rights.

“Stories have incredible power. They challenge the mind and touch the heart, connect us with other people and teach us that we are not alone in life’s journey,” he said.

The author will also appear in the first podcast of the Barbie series, where guests also include Catia Ezzareta, the first Mexican woman to travel in space, figure skater Christy Yamaguchi and dancer, actress and producer Debbie Allen.