Eloise by Kay Thompson

Title:  Eloise

Author:  Kay Thompson

Illustrator:  Hilary Knight

Publisher:  Simon & Schuster

Publication date:  1955

ISBN:  0-671-22350-X

Plot Summary:  This book describes a day in the life of Eloise, a precocious six-year old girl who lives in the Plaza Hotel in New York City.  Eloise enjoys adventure and finds it in every corner of the hotel.  Her escapades often include unwilling participants, such as her beloved Nanny, her pet turtle, her dog, and various hotel staff members, including bell boys and room service attendants.  

Critical analysis: 

                Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight have joined talents to create a rich story about a little girl living a dream life in the Plaza Hotel.  The book’s main character, a six year old girl named Eloise, narrates the drama that she creates in a single day inside the hotel. 

                Eloise’s voice reveals her energetic, dramatic, and precocious nature as she romps from floor to floor, causing chaos for most everyone in her path.  Thompson has managed to create a character that is both loveable and nerve-wracking, as you get caught up in her antics.  Eloise’s mind appears to be on overdrive throughout much of the day as she narrates each event and Thompson’s writing, including lack of punctuation lends itself nicely to the frenetic pace.  The book flows from one event in Eloise’s day to the next and appears to complement the story with logical page breaks and illustration layouts that vary depending on the drama.

                The plot is easily identified as you quickly realize that you, the reader, are getting a glimpse into a typical day in the life of Eloise.  The illustrations serve the plot well as they are as numerous as Eloise’s antics, and, in most cases, highlight images that are only in Eloise’s mind, such as people drowning in her bathtub as she is bathing.  I particularly like the fact that the illustrations were only in black, white, and pink as they emphasize the feminine character of the type of female that you would expect to live at the Plaza.  The illustrations also beautifully capture images of famous rooms in the Plaza, such as the Palm Court and Terrace Room.  They recreate the elegance and indulgence of the hotel.

                The theme of the book appears to be how life is very different through a child’s eyes.  In Eloise’s mind, her actions are all justified and most things happen for her amusement.  She has a sense of being needed by the hotel staff, and often thinks she is being helpful, despite the reality of the chaos she creates.

Awards won:  I did not find any evidence of any awards related to this book.

Review excerpt:  Unfortunately, I did not find any critical reviews of this book, possibly due to the fact that it was published in 1955.  I was able to locate reader reviews on sites such as Amazon.com and Goodreads.  Excerpts from these reviews are as follows:

Though dated, this is a fun book. I wouldn't exactly say that it was ideal for modeling good behavior, but we were able to discuss the naughty things she does in the context of "that's not very nice." I could never imagine the life that she had, and it makes me sad that her parents were not part of the story, but all in all, it's just a book. With interesting illustrations, too. – By Dolly on Goodreads

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.  – by Kathryn on Goodreads

The usual humorless scold brigade is out to clutch their pearls over Eloise's portrayal of a naughty child who gets into everything and causes trouble for everyone. Not every book is meant as a primer for manners, though! Eloise tearing around the Plaza, leaving chaos in her wake, is a devilishly engaging fantasy that both my actual child and my inner child relish without ever once thinking we should actually emulate it. What child wouldn't love for the world to be their own private playground? Come to think of it, what adult doesn't like dreaming of a world in which every whim can be satisfied with a "charge it please"? Just because we can't do it in real life doesn't mean it's not great fun to imagine it.

The prose is dropped on the pages in scat-like lines that often end without punctuation, or wander away in a stream of consciousness; a perfect style for an energetic, flighty 6-year-old with a packed daily agenda. The references are slightly dated, but entirely appropriate for this vintage story, and many of them "grown-up" enough that adults can have a private laugh, not that it's needed with a book that's already so full of humor. – by Kristin on Amazon.com

Connections:  Other books about Eloise include Eloise at Christmastime, Eloise in Moscow, and Eloise Takes a Bawth.  Eloise merchandise, such as dolls and clothing, can also be found in many stores.