Eloise

Kay Thompson's Eloise

by Kay Thompson, Hilary Knight (Illustrator)

Eloise has been delighting readers for more than sixty years —though she’s still not a day over six!

Eloise is a very special little girl who lives at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. She may not be pretty yet, but she’s definitely already a real person. She loves learning about people who aren’t boring. Take Eloise home with you and she’ll introduce you to life at The Plaza. You’ll be glad you did!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Classics, Humor, New York, Kids

65 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1955

About the author

Kay Thompson (1909–1998) was an American author, composer, musician, actress and singer. She is best remembered as the creator of the Eloise children's books.

Reviews

[Patrick · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be titled: "How to be a spoiled little bitch."

I asked my little boy if he's like to read some books the other day, and he brought over this one, asking if I'd read it next.

I'd never read it before, which is fine with me. I like to read him new books. Too much repetition can get wearying to me.

But this book... Seriously. It pissed me off.

I've read bad children's books before. Books with bad stories. Books that were nausiating with sweetness and love. Books that were obviously just a vehicle for someone to poke their religion into an unsuspecting child.

But this one actually made me want to rage-quit.

What bothers me more than anything is that this is a *classic* book. I'm guessing a lot of you grew up reading it. I just looked online and found hundreds of reviewers *gushing* about how charming and *Mawhvelous* a character Eloise is.

But she's not. Eloise is a little bitch.

She's six years old, and uses the Plaza as her personal playground. She bothers people in the lobby. She bothers people in the elevators. She says one of her favorite things to do is run down the hallway with sticks, hitting the doors of other guests. She crashes other people's weddings.

The manager of the hotel says she's a nuisance. But he says it with a forced smile on his face? Why? Because Eloise tells us that her mom knows the *owner* which is apparently why she lives in the penthouse and gets to do whatever she wants.

And that's it. That's the whole story, just her running around, amusing herself, making up games, and being a little monster. Forever.

Where are her parents? She has none. A father is never mentioned at all, and her mother is away somewhere, busy meeting important people. "My mother knows Coco Chanel."

Instead she has a nanny. A nanny who apparently spends most of the day up in the penthouse sniffing glue, because Eloise is never supervised when she's running around the hotel.

There's no moment when she feels compassion for anyone. No moment where she doesn't get her way. No one ever criticizes her. At the end of the book she thinks to herself, "Maybe tomorrow I'll pour a pitcher of water down the mail chute."

The end. No moral. She doesn't learn anything. Doesn't change.

She is just a little bitch.

Here's the one thing I'll say for it. Back when it was written, in the early 50's, it was probably wonderfully refreshing for little girls to see a little girl misbehaving. A little girl with power. A little girl living a wish-fulfillment life where she does whatever she likes, never gets in trouble, everyone has to be nice to her, and she eats room service ever day.

But today, in 2013? Do you honestly think that's something kids need to learn? Fuck no.

You know what Eloise reminds me of? She reminds me of a stereotypical American. The sort of American that people believe in over in Germany and Spain and China. She is loud, spoiled, rude, and entitled.

And she never, *ever* gets in trouble. No one ever even speaks a hard word to her.

I'm not saying this book doesn't has it's charming parts. The voice is good. The art is good. The book wouldn't have been a success without those things.

But is it a good book for children in this day and age?

No. No it really isn't. Not unless you're trying to show your kids a good example of how to act like total little unlovable bastards.

Let's just be clear here. Eloise isn't "precocious" she's not "a scamp."

She is a little monster. She's the sort of child that if you saw her in real life, you'd look up at her parents (who would probably be ignoring her while sipping half-decaf lattes and thumb typing on their iphones) and say, "Hey. You. Yeah you! Get over her and control your fucking demon spawn of a child! She just tipped over a magazine rack and is pouring all the cream into the toilet! What? Yes I'd say that is your problem. No. No, she's not a free spirit. You're a careless idiot. She's your responsibility. Be a goddamn parent for five minutes and institute some discipline!"

And then I would just start choking people until I went to jail.

So... yeah.

Didn't like this book much.

I don't recommend it.

[Lisa of Troy · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Children's Book Gone Wrong

Eloise is a six-year old girl living at The Plaza, a very swanky hotel in New York. Eloise engages in all kinds of obnoxious and selfish behavior that would be unbecoming for even a four-year old. The only funny thing about this book was the nanny who had to have not one, not two, but three adult beverages after dealing with Eloise all day. When reading this book to a young reader, I had to censor the book because I would be mortified if my young reader repeated these phrases.

Charge this book to my room please!

This is one of the books from James Mustich's 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die A Life-Changing List.

2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities

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[Amor Towles · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE EXPANSIVE BOOKS SET IN CLOSE QUARTERS (#5)

This summer, the Wall Street Journal asked me to pick five books I admired that were somehow reminiscent of A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW. To that end, I wrote on five works in which the action is confined to a small space, but in which the reader somehow experiences the world. Here is #5:

On the second page of Kay Thompson’s Eloise, our intrepid young heroine is seen entering New York’s Plaza Hotel (with a fitting salute to the doorman) and that is the last we see of the outside world. For the remainder of the book, we remain at Eloise’s side, as she wreaks havoc in every nook and cranny of the hotel. Eloise may entertain children, but it enlightens adults. For claustrophobia is a malady of the mature. To gain its foothold on the human consciousness, claustrophobia needs an ebbing of the imagination, curiosity, and self-assurance. Eloise, who has seen no ebb in any of these traits, finds plenty to entertain herself within the walls of the Plaza. As we turn the pages, she generously reminds us that should we ever feel the least bit stir crazy, thermostats can be adjusted, sweets can be pilfered, ladders can be scampered-up, formal affairs attended without invitation, and when all else fails? Paper cups are very good for talking to Mars. Then when your busy day is done, you get room service. But don’t forget to tell the person of the other end of the line: “And charge it please!”

[karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

fulfilling my 2020 goal to read (at least) one book each month that was given to me as a present that i haven't yet gotten around to reading because i am an ungrateful dick.

[Manybooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yes, yes, yes, I do well know that Kay Thompson's and Hilary Knight's Eloise is considered both a classic and for many readers seemingly also represents very much a personal and nostalgic favourite (and equally a slice of genuine New York City life, as Eloise's place of residence, the Plaza, is a bona fide Midtown Manhattan luxury hotel). And indeed, if I simply look at Eloise as a character, as a person, as a child, I do see much to cherish and to tenderly if not even glowingly appreciate (her voice, her imagination, her often delightful games and that she really always finds ways to entertain herself, to make life fun and interesting for her). However, and this is quite a massive, fraught with intense personal frustration however, as an older adult, I actually do NOT in any way find Eloise either all that humorous or even all that inherently sweet, but mostly both rather majorly depressing and saddening, and in fact even much anger-inducing. Because and in my humble opinion, first and foremost, little Eloise is for all intents and purposes a sadly neglected and willfully unparented, an abandoned child, a poor little rich girl whose often absent and careless mother seems to spend much of her time traipsing around the world, leaving Eloise basically and constantly alone at the Plaza Hotel, cared for by a nanny and generally surrounded by ONLY adults who not only cannot take the place of a parent, but who as employees of the Plaza Hotel also generally would probably not even dare to discipline Eloise if or rather when her behaviour becomes an issue or a potential concern, considering that Eloise's mother is wealthy, socially connected and a close and personal friend of the hotel owner (and they, the diverse hotel employees, would likely be legitimately afraid of losing their jobs if they dared to be overtly critical of Eloise or even tried saying a categorical "no" to her). And while Eloise might indeed have, might possess a lot of objects and received gifts (mostly from her mother, it seems), she generally does NOT have her mother's presence and she does not have her mother's love and care (resulting in a child who during the course of Eloise, while certainly imaginative and often even endearing also has in many ways been left to run wild, and because of her family's material wealth, has thus also become entitled, spoiled and often rather infuriating).

But that all being said, I actually do VERY MUCH LIKE Eloise as a person, and I do not in any way think of her as a so-called nasty and spoiled brat as some commentators and reviewers seem to desire labeling and calling her. No, ALL my potential criticisms I level entirely and totally at Eloise's family, but especially at her neglectful social butterfly of a mother, who obviously cares more about her wealthy and jet-setting lifestyle than she does about being a responsible caregiver to her little daughter (and yes, even when Eloise misbehaves and acts her worst, I never in fact do dislike her, I actually more feel sorry for her and try to level my criticism where it is indeed required and justified, the absent mother and the non existent parenting). And it really and truly does massively annoy me to no end when I come across reviews of Eloise which ONLY fault young Eloise for her behaviour and do not go that one necessary step further and rightfully condemn and criticise the person who has created and precipitated this scenario in the first place, namely her for the most part both physically and emotionally absent and irresponsible mother (Eloise’s biological family).

Now I have been debating whether to rate Eloise with three stars, or whether to actually consider but two stars, and I am still waffling a bit. However, considering that I also do not all that much enjoy Hilary Knight's accompanying illustrations, I think I will (at least for the present) stick with a two star rating (as Knight’s pictures, while expressive and definitely full of movement and life, are also much too cartoon like for my personal tastes and really do seem to make both Eloise and especially the poor nanny appear almost caricature like and ugly). And thus, two stars it is for Eloise (although if half stars were permitted, I would most definitely be changing my rating to two and a half stars). And am I going to read and review the sequels? Well perhaps, as I do own copies of them, but after having quickly skimmed through them, I do NOT think anything will likely all that much change my at best rather luke-warm reaction to Eloise and her exploits (and I believe my viscerally intensely negative attitude towards the mother, towards Eloise's biological family will more than likely but majorly increase, as even in the Christmastime offering, NO members of Eloise's supposed nearest and dearest bother to make a physical appearance, leaving Eloise alone with but her nanny even then, even at Christmas).

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am giving this five stars because Eloise has so much VOICE it is unbelievable and deeply touching--slightly disturbing, slightly heartbreaking; humorous then obnoxious, then endearing. (Knight's illustrations capture all of this perfectly!) I believe there are many interpretations to Eloise's story. For one, it is full of the imaginings of childhood and the delicious freedom of having an entire hotel in which to pursue one's whims. For another, it is the story of a very naughty little girl who annoys pretty much anyone in her path but gets away with it because she is spoiled and her mother pays for everything.

Personally, I found it a remarkably tender and tragic story about a six-year-old girl who is forced to grow-up in a hotel, parented by her nanny, befriending only those who work at the hotel, while her mother galivants across Europe meeting Coco Chanel and buying AT&T stock. Now, I am not excusing Eloise's horrid behavior, but I do think it has some foundations in lack of parenting. It is heartbreaking to see Eloise is always packed and ready in case her mother should send for her "if there is sun" in France... Or that is is always emulating the speech patterns of her nanny (clearly the biggest influence in her life). Since "being bored is not allowed," Eloise devises the most crazy games--some of them are innocent and adorable (using plastic cups in the bath to call Mars) and others are quite obnoxious (pouring water down the mail chute, banging sticks along the doors of hotel guests). Don't get me wrong, there is a lot of humor in this story--some of Eloise's phrases are laugh-out-loud funny and the illustrations are a riot, but overall I just felt it was a very sad sort of story. I couldn't quite believe that Eloise is truly happy.

FOR GROWN-UPS, PLEASE READ ON--reference to drugs and alcohol in following quotes:

I am curious to learn more about Thompson's intent, especially as the subtitle is "A book for precocious grownups." On the Eloise website it addresses some of the changes, and apparently it WAS a book for grown-ups originally:

"Over the years, there have been editing changes to the text of the story. These changes took place at different points in time. Edits were made, perhaps as the book moved to the children's genre although Eloise still has a gin bottle in her room (page 20-21). Here are the changes from the original 1955 release and today :

Page 33. "Here's what I like to do Make things up. Here's what I hate Peter Rabbit." The reference to Peter Rabbit has been removed and now just reads "Here's what I like to do Make things up." Note, there is "Here's what I hate Howdy Doody" on page 60 that has remained.

Page 41. Removed is a small picture of Eloise stepping on the floor pedal to flush a toilet. The caption reads: "I go to the Powder Room as often as I can. You just step on it."

Page 43. "There are absolutely nothing but rooms in the Plaza" now reads "There are absolutely nothing but rooms in the Plaza. Ooooooooooooo I absolutely love the Plaza."

Page 50. "My mother knows Lily Daché." now reads "My mother knows Coco Chanel." More people must know the famous designer Chanel than Daché, a French-born milliner who established a flourishing hat business in the United States with made-to-order creations.

Page 51. Referring to her mother, Eloise states: She goes to Europe and Paris. And when she goes to Miami she stays at the Roney and sends for me if there's some sun." now reads "She goes to Europe and Paris and sends for me if there's some sun." On the same page, as Eloise talks about her mother's laywer, she finishes with: "Here's what he likes Martinis. Here's what I like Grass." That now reads: "Here's what he likes Martinis. Here's what I like Dandelions." Kay Thompson addressed this change in the 1969 The New York Times article Pity the Plaza! Eloise Is Back in Town.


"There's a whole generation grown up in the last decade that will be looking at her with fresh eyes," Thompson said happily. "The wife of a young friend of mine read 'Eloise' recently and where she talks about her mother's lawyer it says,
Here's what he likes
Martinis
Here's what I like
Grass
"Do you know she asked me if I meant marijuana, I told her 'no' but to read it any way she wanted to."

(Methinks Thompson was not the typical "children's book author" haha!)

Full article
(http://www.eloisewebsite.com/library/...)

[Hily · Rating 5 out of 5]

People need to calm down with the reviews of this book. Okay, so this story about a six year old isn't the most PC book on the library shelf. There is a mention of an adult having a drink and enjoying a cigar. Oh the humanity! One reviewer with clearly nothing better to do ranted on about Eloise, the "little bitch". If you don't want to 'expose' your child to the silly adventures of a pretend girl in a pretend story then carefully tuck your child away with your old Christmas decorations for safe keeping until every book available to them is about being polite and eating organically. Lighten up! This book was written over 60 years ago.

Say what you will about this, and all Eloise books. To me they warm my heart and have left me thoroughly entertained since I was a kid.

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eloise is a precocious little rich girl who lives in a fancy hotel. I got suckered into reading this out loud all in one go by a girl I was baby-sitting years ago, not realizing it was quite a bit longer than the standard picture book. Perhaps I would have liked it better if I had read it as a child myself, although I don't think it would ever have been a favorite. Growing up in poverty (and with moderately strict parents) I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder about rich kids and their supposedly-amusing antics. If I wanted crazy hijinks I turned to Curious George. The illustrations are cute, but not my favorite of Knight's work.

[Lisa Vegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charming and witty book about a bright, loquacious, mischievous, imaginative 6 year old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York. First in the Eloise series and a good one to read first. Really fun to read to little girls and I still enjoy it.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ooooooooooooooo I absolutely love this book series so much!  It is written in the stream of consciousness style of a 6 year old girl talking without any  punctuation.  Eloise (the 6 year old girl)  lives in the Park Plaza Hotel and has many adventures within it.  Nanny is her mostly companion, but her turtle, Skipperdee, and dog, Weenie, join in on the fun as well.  These books contain much humor, engaging even & sometimes even more so,  the adult reading the book.  I recommend this series to young and old alike!

[Amy C. · Rating 1 out of 5]

I do not like Eloise. I hesitate to say this about a young child, even a fictional one. But I found this little girl and her life at the Plaza hotel mostly depressing . . . a poor little rich girl, merely endured by most of the adults around her (and not endured at all by her parents -- dad is not mentioned at all, and mom is off jet-setting). I did finish reading it to my 6yo, but it was a trudge. Caro didn't really stay engaged either, though that may have been because of my reading, can't tell. In any case, her questions and comments, normally a regular feature of a readaloud, petered out pretty early in the book, and she hasn't asked for it again.

For a girl with an exciting life unsupervised by parents, give me Pippi Longstocking over Eloise, anyday.

[Daisy May Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, oh this gloriously wicked and funny book, is one of my greatest pleasures. Kay Thompson was godmother to Liza (Lizaaa!) Minelli and wrote the Eloise series inspired by both the antics of Liza, and the experiences that Thompson herself had as living at the Plaza. And it is glorious.

Eloise is a furiously fabulous creation, full of stubborn humour and eccentric pleasures. And she lives. That’s such a thing for a character in a book of this nature, wrapped in long lines of text and strange sounding words, but she does – Hilary Knight’s illustrations make Eloise practically burst out from the page. And it’s a spirit you pick up right from the moment you open the page – as Eloise races out of sight and into the book.

I’ve got a bit of a thing for books of this nature, books that show us life – albeit a perhaps extreme form of life that many may not experience! – and books that show us what it can be like to be a girl and a woman. The spreads of Nanny putting on her corset for example is one of my favourite in the entire book. It’s in the loving detail of the corset, drawn with a sort of almost palpable warmth – as if it’s an old friend of Nannys which of course it is in a way!

And the relationship between Nanny and Eloise is something I particularly love as well. The whole book is coloured in this muted palette of blacks and whites and reds – reds that burn with a fiery fuschia , and then slide into the softest of muted candy stripe pinks. There’s a lot that can be said with the use of line in picture books – and if you’ve not had a look at Jane Doonan’s superb Looking at Pictures in Picture Books, you’re missing a treat. Knight’s use of line and colour in this book is outstanding.

Consider this moment between Nanny and Eloise. Eloise is so furiously present, she’s a blunt punch of colour and Nanny, quietly having a good old smoke in the background, is a quietly lovely mixture of black and whites against the candy striped gaiety of the sofa. Nanny merges with the background at points, and it’s sort of a comforting merge. It’s as if Nanny is so solid in Eloise’s life, so rooted, that she is just there. And she will always be there.

There’s something to be said about the construction of this image as well; the TV throws light onto Nanny and Eloise and casts a brief, flickering shadow on the wall. Nothing else beyond this couch matters because, in a way, nothing else exists. It’s all about Nanny and Eloise, and their contentment both in the moment and each other. Eloise, exuberant though she’s technically still, holds an umbrealla and you can almost feel her twirling it, and dangling her feet off the end of the couch. She’s so in this moment, so very very present, that it’s an amazingly palpable moment to witness.

Eloise is one of those books that lets you do everything you always wanted. It lets you ride the lifts up and down and press for the highest floor when you really only want the first - and it’s all just because you can, and because you want to. It’s a book of wish-fulfilment, of furious id, of glorious vivid living in the moment because right now the moment’s all that matters.

[Giselle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just made me love the movie more. It's time for a rewatch.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mother didn't tell me until I was an adult that she liked this book--she probably thought Eloise wasn't the best role model for children (maybe she didn't want me to learn the phrase "charge it, please" too early in life. I do love room service, though.)

A fun book with wonderful, predominantly pink illustrations, made even more interesting by learning that it was inspired by Kay Thompson's goddaughter, Liza Minnelli.

P.S. I'm wondering if the "ad man" Eloise's mother knows is Don Draper. :)

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 2 out of 5]

SPOILED BRAT WITH ENTITLEMENT ISSUES

[ddjiii · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was surprised by the things some commenters didn't like about this classic: Eloise isn't cute, she says "Oh my Lord" too much, her Nanny smokes, her situation with no parents is too sad, she is terribly spoiled. I feel most of this is sort of missing the point - Eloise is a heroic personality with a tremendously strong voice (I mean in the metaphoric English-major way, although also literally true.) And you know, the book is supposed to be funny, so you needn't take it all too seriously. To me, the only thing funnier than Eloise sklonking her stylist Vincent in the kneecap - and the picture of preening Vincent that accompanies it; really, has there ever been a more perfect union of text and illustration than Eloise? - is hearing my own 5 year old say, "Room service! Send me dinner and charge it please, thankyouverymuch!" (Although he doesn't understand why she hates Peter Rabbit.) Yes, Eloise is funnier as an adult, but that just gives all the five and six year-olds out there something to look forward to.

[Heidi-Marie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew of Eloise. The books and the movies. I'd seen snippets of one of the moviess. And what I saw was all right. Not something I'd want to watch all the time, that's for sure. Well, now I have read the book. And while there are many fans of Eloise in this world, I am sorry but I am not one of them. I can see why so many like her. But she's not for me. I think I could handle a typical 6-year old who has messy/bratty/spoiled tendencies, but part of me doesn't like the illustrations or how the story is told. I don't find her cute and funny. I want to right the wrong of her not having parents around and give her some proper discipline. She should have had it long before the books began. Poor Nanny. But at least the two really do love each other. I think I'll be fine if I do not read the other 3 Eloise books or see one of the movies all the way through (Julie Andrews or no).

[Kaethe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be Eloise. Yeah, I know, no one else feels that way at all.

[Sunny · Rating 2 out of 5]

I just read this for the Rory Gilmore Reading List/Challenge.

I'm 'a bit' too old to find Eloise's ways cute and funny, but it was a quick and easy book to get through that I could possibly see the appeal for.

[Sonia · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book as part of the Rory Gilmore reading challenge and well... Eloise is a spoiled and naughty child and apart from the cute illustrations, there was nothing remarkable about the story. Deeply disappointed.

[Julie G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, quite possibly, the best children's book ever made!

[John of Canada · Rating 3 out of 5]

The drawings were terrific,she was a little monster but fun to watch.The part I liked best and was a nice surprise was the story of Eloise at the end.

[Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5* - I'm willing to concede that the charm of this book is more suited to the decade it was written in but it failed to charm me. I found it quite irritating.

[Amber’s Book Nook · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book definitely my favorite children book. I look forward to reading more Eloise also loved reading of how Eloise became a book series

[Lorraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plaza Hotel, Manhattan, New York: Kay Thompson’s Eloise with drawings by Hilary Knight begins “I am Eloise. I am six.” This 60th edition (white cover with pink stripes with Eloise writing her name using red lipstick on a huge mirror as well as the title of the book - Eloise is underlined with red lipstick too.) comes with a CD on which Bernadette Peters reads and sings this book. Eloise lives on the top floor of the Plaza Hotel with Nanny. Eloise explains what she does during the day at the Plaza. She loves the Plaza, room service, Nanny, the telephone, making things up, lunching at the Palm Court, visiting the Terrace Room, the Persian Room, the Crystal Room, and even the Grand Ballroom. She has even stopped by the Oak Room (which is actually the Oak Bar). Eloise does not stay long at the Oak Room, obviously! Eloise just ❤️❤️❤️❤️ The Plaza! A fantabulous book for children of all ages! The illustrations are brilliant! 5+ stars A book not to be missed by anyone no matter the age!

[Jenna | Bookmark Your Thoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Tomorrow I think I’ll pour a pitcher of water down the mail chute.’”

A children’s novel that’s sure to give you a good laugh, Thompson’s "Eloise" is a story about a very curious girl with a very large imagination. Eloise, who lives at The Plaza Hotel, is an imaginative young girl who takes us through a day in the life of one who lives in such a grandiose place. Mischievous and inquisitive, Eloise will make those of all ages giggle at all the shenanigans she gets herself into throughout her tale. Does Eloise finish all her responsibilities at the hotel before the end of the story? Will her journey make you wish you lived at The Plaza Hotel?

--Minor to No Spoilers--

Thompson’s "Eloise" has been on my TBR list for FAR too long. During my co-op experience in a kindergarten classroom, I remember spotting this book on the shelf and the teacher mentioning the children adore it. Obviously, I forgot about wanting to read it until I saw it at Chapters a couple of months ago. Did I enjoy reading about the mischievous young Eloise?



Thompson’s children’s story combined with Knight’s adorably funny illustrations makes "Eloise" an absolutely fantastic read! She’s feisty and a troublemaker, yet you can’t help falling in love with Eloise’s quirky and rambunctious ways. Hilariously enticing, Thompson’s picture book will have you in a giggle fit before you know it.

Story | Plot

"Eloise" is a tale about a rather bold and adventurous girl sharing the same name as the title, who tells readers her responsibilities and adventures in her home at The Plaza Hotel. From greeting guests to fooling around with her Nanny, there’s no end to the shenanigans this 6-year-old gets into. A fast paced page turner, this is a wonderfully quick and fun read for children whose attention span may be as small as Eloise’s.

Some reviewers and critics have remarked on how "Eloise" is an inappropriate book for children, as it gives off messages such as being troublesome is okay and being a nuisance doesn’t cause anyone harm, since Eloise receives little to no repercussions for her actions. As a lover of Children’s Literature, I beg to differ. There are many television shows and novels that show rambunctious children as overactive and meddlesome, yet children don’t become so simply by watching this; there’s a lot more to parenting and behavioural development. In my eyes, it’s simply a funny tale about a very hyper girl who literally can’t stand still for more than 10 seconds.

Fun fact: "Eloise" was originally meant more for adults rather than children. It wasn’t until it’s re-release nearly a decade after it’s original release date that this became classified as a children’s book. This may be why some adults get a vibe that this isn’t meant for children…it originally wasn’t. Many studies suggest that this was about teaching parents the consequences of bad parenting and what happens to children who get away with too many mishaps.

Neat, eh?



Characters | Character Development

The characters mainly revolve around Eloise, her Nanny, and other people she meets throughout the hotel such as visitors and those working at The Plaza Hotel. Eloise is an absolute hoot, though I’d definitely lose my head if she was in my personal care. Her imagine runs wild, constantly bringing her to undiscovered worlds and timeless adventures all in the safeness of her home and bedroom. Though she doesn’t really develop in the story, readers learn more and more about her daily activities and the fun she has.



The other characters that appear in the tale may not be as prominent as Eloise, but they definitely add to the story. Eloise’s Nanny is one example of this, for she’s probably one of the few people who can handle her chaotic ways. Calm and collective, she knows how to keep Eloise under control without Eloise knowing so…smart lady.

Artwork | Illustrations

Something that I found added to the love you have for Eloise and the characters in the story is the illustrations. Knight’s drawings of Eloise getting into trouble and the reaction from the people she interacts with in the story completely transforms both the story and the characters! You laugh at the expressions they give, such as Eloise’s teacher having a fit when Eloise doesn’t obey and listen during her lessons.

Though the colours are rather consistent (pinks, yellows, blacks and whites), the images still feel vibrant and full of a story within themselves; it’s as though you don’t even need the written language to tell Eloise’s tale, which I think is phenomenal for children. The artwork reminded me of Dr. Seuss’s works, simplistic and intricately detailed at the same time…confusing, I know.

Language

What really makes this children’s novel a delightful and astonishing read! Thompson fully grasps the essence of the mind of a child, fully captivating you to think you are reading a tale actually said by a child rather than that of an adult. For instance, Eloise will talk about something in a very serious manner, then all of a sudden mention something completely random…such as how Kleenex box makes a good hat…I totally tried this afterwards.

Not only is the language itself tremendously amazing, but HOW the story and sentences are written make "Eloise" a fantastic piece of literature. There are run-on sentences and very little grammatical punctuation. When one reads this out-loud, you start speeding off as how a child would when they grow excited and MUST tell their story without taking a breath. Her thoughts flow from one to another, sometimes making little to no sense whatsoever…to an adult anyway.

I’m completely blown away by this in-depth writing style, which I think is highly missed and underrated.



Final Thoughts

Thompson’s "Eloise" was an absolute delight to read, one I think many people would greatly appreciate and enjoy. It’s literature such as this that demonstrates how superb children’s books can be, even smaller pieces of literature such as "Eloise". The symbolism and meaning intertwined with the wittiness make this a remarkable piece of art that I firmly believe people underrate. Will you read "Eloise"?

[Betty Strohecker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun, outrageous, hilarious! Eloise provides a laugh a minute. As a retired preschool and elementary teacher, I don't know how I missed this book. Since its author was featured in A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes, I just had to read it. There are several Eloise books and even a movie. If you love children and their unique unpredictability and curiosity, you will enjoy Eloise.

[Jiffy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Ugh! Why is this book even still a thing?!? Are you disgusted that Affluenza is a legitimate thing? Do you want to know how people like that even come to be? Well, here's your answer! Excuse me, while I go throw-up a little.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love my wee tradition of ending my reading goal with one of the Eloise books. Yes it’s a way to get there but also they were my favourite when I was growing up and everything I love about graphic novels and adults being silly

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly and sweet, odd and cute.