About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is feeling particularly rambunctious or when you want to celebrate the wild, untamed imagination of a spirited six year old. It is an ideal choice for high energy children who need to see their own curiosity and zest for life reflected in a character who views the entire world as her personal playground. Eloise is a modern classic that captures the whirlwind of a child's internal monologue and their desire for independence. Set in the glamorous Plaza Hotel, the story follows Eloise through her daily routines of ordering room service, 'skibbling' on walls, and mildly pestering the hotel staff. While she lives a highly unusual life, her emotional reality is deeply relatable to children navigating the transition into being a 'big kid.' It is a joyful, humorous exploration of a child who is unapologetically herself, making it a perfect read for fostering creativity and a sense of wonder in readers aged five to nine.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
None.
Ideal Reader
A high-spirited six or seven-year-old who possesses a strong streak of independence and an active imagination. It is especially suited for children who enjoy wordplay and fast-paced humor.
Parent Prep
The book is safe to read cold. Parents may want to lean into the 'character' of Eloise, as the text is meant to be read with a sense of breathless excitement. A parent might reach for this after a day where their own child has been particularly 'difficult' or energetic, using Eloise as a way to find humor and empathy in the chaos of childhood.
Age Experience
Younger children (5-6) will find the physical slapstick and the idea of living in a hotel magical. Older children (8-9) will appreciate the sophisticated wit, the satire of high-society hotel life, and Hilary Knight's detailed, iconic illustrations.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many children's books that focus on lessons, Eloise is a pure celebration of the 'enfant terrible.' Its layout, with sprawling text and intricate line drawings, perfectly mimics the chaotic energy of its protagonist.
Read plot summary
The book offers a stream of consciousness look into the life of Eloise, a six-year-old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her British Nanny, her dog Weenie, and her turtle Skipperdee. The narrative follows her 'extremely busy' schedule, which includes spying on hotel guests, interacting with the staff, and engaging in imaginative play throughout the hallways and ballrooms. While Eloise’s mother is often away in places like Paris or Virginia for social engagements, Eloise remains the center of her own vibrant world at the hotel.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Eloise says she is 'extremely busy.' Do you think she is actually working, or is she playing? Which of her 'jobs' looks the most fun?
2
If you lived in a big hotel like the Plaza, what would be the first thing you would order from room service?
3
Eloise has a very specific way of talking and acting. How do you think the hotel manager, Mr. Salomone, feels about her adventures?
4
Nanny is Eloise's constant companion. What are some ways Nanny helps Eloise, even when Eloise is being a 'rawther' handful?
5
Eloise likes to 'skibble' on the walls. Why is that okay for Eloise in her book, but maybe not a great idea at home?
