BUENOS AIRES, Sept 13 (Reuters) - Chilean author Isabel

Allende, one of the world's most widely read Spanish-language

writers, will be immortalized in recycled plastic with her own

Barbie doll, alongside her dog Perla and a miniature replica of

her first novel.

U.S. toymaker Mattel Inc ( MAT ) is releasing the doll,

clothed in a red dress with large earrings, as part of its

"Inspiring Women" series, which has already featured poet Maya

Angelou, journalist Ida B. Wells and singer Celia Cruz.

"I celebrate the Barbie brand's initiative to inspire the

next generation with the stories of unsung heroes," Allende said

in a statement. "I want kids to dream big."

Allende's works often blend historical events with magic and

fantasy. Her first novel, "The House of the Spirits," published

in 1982, was an instant bestseller. She has since published

dozens more books, including memoirs and short story

collections, which have been translated into over 40 languages.

Allende moved to Venezuela in 1973 when Chilean President

Salvador Allende, her father's cousin, was overthrown in a coup

led by General Augusto Pinochet. Also a human rights activist

and teacher of literature, Allende has lived in the U.S. for

over thirty years.

"Stories have incredible power," Allende said. "They

challenge our minds and touch our hearts, they connect us to

other people and teach us that we are not alone in life's

journey."

The writer will also feature on Barbie's first podcast

series, launching on Friday. Other guests include Katya

Echazarreta, the first Mexican-born woman in space, U.S. figure

skater Kristi Yamaguchi and dancer Debbie Allen.

Barbie has in recent years expanded its collection to cover

various skin tones and body types. The 2023 "Barbie" movie

became the highest-grossing film ever released by Warner Bros

and added a new emotional depth to a brand that has

faced criticisms for promoting unrealistic beauty standards.