Monday, February 23, 2015

I am Eloise. I am Six.

This rambunctious little girl lives in a "room on the tippy-top floor" at the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her Nanny, her pug Weenie and her turtle Skipperdee.  Kay Thompson's delightful tales follow Eloise throughout her days as a city child, on her adventures and more.

The first book written, in what soon became a series, is Eloise at the Plaza (1955).  This introductory book allows the readers to see what it is like to have a 6-year-old live in a hotel.  Eloise loves riding the hotel elevator for fun, sending pitchers of water down the mail chute and ordering room service.  What little kid isn't in awe of spending the night in a hotel?  Thompson then creates this wonderful experience into a lifestyle with Eloise.




Hilary Knight follows Eloise as well around New York City with his beautiful illustrations.  Knight has illustrated more than 50 books, but he still claims to be in love with Eloise!  He grew up in New York so he can relate to being a city child.

While Eloise can be a bit temperamental, but it isn't difficult to fall in love with Thompson's beloved little girl.  Her wit and sass are absolutely charming!
In fact, it was so charming that in addition to 4 other books about Eloise, there were two live-action movies made starring Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) in 2003.  Both Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime were great adaptations to the big screen.  You can view Eloise coming to life here.


In addition to her movie roles, Eloise has also left quite the impression on the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Fully embracing Eloise, the hotel opened up Eloise's "bedroom" for visitors to see, bicycles and tricycles are able to be rented from the hotel and taken through Central Park and a painting by Hilary Knight is hanging in the Palm Court at the hotel.

I love, love, love, love Eloise. I absolutely do!  Do you love her too?  What is your favorite scene from the books?  Did you ever want to live in a hotel as a child?   


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