Eloise by Kay Thompson

 
 

Eloise was published in 1955 – a very good year!  Its author was the godmother of Liza Minelli.  Some people think Eloise was inspired by her.

 

The subtitle of the book is 'A book for precocious grown ups, about a little girl wo lives at the Plaza Hotel'.  This is a clue that the book isn't your standard children's fare.

 

Eloise is naughty, spirited.  The author says she is not yet pretty but she is already a Person. She lives in the Plaza Hotel in the care of Nanny. It is not clear where her mother is or why she lives in the hotel.

 

Some parents might worry that Eloise's exploits might give their kids ideas.  But the kids will love it.