EL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Sept. 2, 2003 -- Building upon the cherished connection between girls and their grandparents, Mattel is introducing grandparents to its popular line of family-themed dolls, Happy Family(TM), allowing girls to play out three generations of family dynamics just in time for Grandparents Day on September 7.

"Families really don't begin or end simply with the parent-child relationship," said Dr. Michael Shore, consumer insight specialist and child psychologist, Mattel. "Grandparents play a bigger role in the lives of many children today, whether taking care of them while mom and dad are away or even assuming primary responsibility, and now the Happy Family(TM) line reflects that in a way that is interactive and engaging for girls."

Created in recognition of the important role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren, Happy Family(TM) Grandparents provide girls with a natural extension to nurturing family play that encourages fun, imagination and caring. With the entire Happy Family(TM) collection, girls can create a myriad of engaging stories. As Grandparents Day is all about recognizing and celebrating the connection between grandparents and their grandkids, it marks the perfect time to introduce the Happy Family(TM) Grandparent dolls.

The original line, launched early this year, includes Midge(R), her husband Alan(R), their toddler son Ryan(TM), and a baby on the way. Barbie(R) extended her friendship with Midge(R) to act as the couple's baby doctor for the newest member of the family. With the addition of the Midge(R) doll's parents as the Happy Family(TM) Grandparents, Midge(R) and Alan(R) can now take the kids on special visits to their grandparents, building upon the nurturing play patterns girls already enjoy through the line.

Happy Family(TM) Grandma's Kitchen(TM) Giftset

When dinnertime rolls around, the Happy Family(TM) is sure to be found in grandma and grandpa's kitchen preparing for a delicious meal. The Happy Family(TM) Grandma's Kitchen(TM) Giftset has everything needed to make a delicious meal, including an oven, a refrigerator that really opens and a "working" blender. There is even a "turkey," fresh-baked "cookies" and a "pie" for the family to enjoy that all change colors when they are "cooked."

Midge(R) can feed the baby at the table while Grandma helps toddler Ryan(TM) with a glass of "milk" to enjoy with his "cookies." The dining room table has enough room to seat everyone, and the entire kitchen folds up and has a handle for easy carrying.

The play set comes complete with Happy Family(TM) grandma and grandpa dolls. Suggested retail price is $47.00 and will be available in September 2003 at retailers nationwide.

The Happy Family(TM) Story

Nine years ago, Mattel's fashion dolls Midge(R) and Alan(R) were married -- with Midge(R) doll's best friend, Barbie(R) doll, by her side as her maid of honor. Today, they are a loving family with their toddler son, Ryan(TM). Soon to be joined by a new member of the family, Midge(R) is expecting their second child.

About Mattel

Mattel, Inc. (www.mattel.com) is the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of toys and family products, including Barbie(R), the most popular fashion doll ever introduced. The Mattel family of toys and games is comprised of such best-selling brands as Hot Wheels(R), Matchbox(R), American Girl(R), and Fisher-Price(R), which also includes Little People(R), Rescue Heroes(TM), Power Wheels(R), as well as a wide array of entertainment-inspired toy lines. With worldwide headquarters in El Segundo, Calif., Mattel employs more than 25,000 people in 36 countries and sells products in more than 150 nations throughout the world. The Mattel vision is to be the world's premier toy brands -- today and tomorrow.