LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Barbie, that doll of many careers, now dispenses phone advice for young fans struggling with pint-sized tribulations: an upcoming spelling bee, bedtime woes or a pesky little sister.The new Barbie Call Time program, launched on Monday by Mattel Inc. and UVOX Networks Inc., offers parents a number of pre-recorded messages that can be used to nudge Barbie fans to do their chores and like it.
The calls can be personalized and ordered in advance through Barbie.com to any telephone in the United States and most Canadian numbers, starting at $1.99 per call.
In the "Get Along with Sibling" call, Barbie and her younger sister Kelly team up to dole out "a few words of encouragement to a special friend," according to Barbie.com.
"We have a lot of fun being sisters, but sometimes it can be hard, too ... but we always do our best to get along with each other," Barbie says in a concerned, yet upbeat teen-age voice. "We hope you and your family do your best to get along, too."
Kids who get Barbie's bedtime call are lulled to sleep with a poem or one of several short stories featuring the child and Barbie as heroes who rescue a puppy, take to the stage as pop stars, or visit an amusement park.
Mattel officials say Call Time is designed to provide support and encouragement to girls by inviting them into Barbie's world.
"Barbie plays such a large role in the lives of girls that a call from her to personally wish them a 'Happy Birthday' or 'Good Luck' on an upcoming spelling test will be fun, unexpected and inspiring to them," said Christina De Rose, vice president, girls interactive group, Mattel.
