Module 2: Kay Thompson's Absolutely Essential Eloise: Written by Kay Thompson; Illustrations by Hilary Knight

Book Summary: 


Eloise is 6 and lives in the Plaza Hotel in NYC, NY. Nanny accompanies her, along with her dog, Weennie. She has loads of fun wreaking havoc in the place, pushing the elevator buttons, running floor to floor, pretending to be an orphan to get pieces of melon, and running about with the fire hose in case there is one, and having a lot of fun, generally. Aside from that, there is room service.... This version of the original Eloise has a scrapbook attached, with photos of Kay Thompson, when she was living at the Plaza Hotel. 


APA Reference: 


Thompson, K. (1999). Kay Thompson's Absolutely Essential Eloise. New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers.


My Impressions: 


I love this book. To me, it is the quintessential guide to being a kid. However, most kids do not need to learn that. It is a book for adults about what it is like to be a kid again, to remember, through the eyes of Eloise. One of the best imaginative parts is where she is speaking to mars through the cups in the shower, but I also liked the idea of her going undercover for hide and seek.  All in all, I would say this is a must read for anyone who wants to have fun, whatever the age.    


Professional Review: 


Eloise lives! Woman-about-New York-and-Hollywood Kay Thompson invented Eloise as a six-year-old alter ego, and with the notable assistance of Hilary Knight's witty and wise drawings, Eloise entered world consciousness in 1955. The original books are now being reprinted to deserved hoopla. Who could resist joining the motherless enfant terrible as she terrorizes the Plaza Hotel in company with Nanny, Weenie the pug, and Skipperdee the turtle? Brenner's addended scrapbook fills in the void of years with lots of Thompson, Knight, and Eloise photos and nostalgia. The package is fun and will delight old-timers, as well as initiate new youngsters to the myth. 1999 (orig. 1955), Simon and Shuster, $19.95. Ages All.

Karr, K. (1999). [Book review of the book Kay Thompson's Absolutely Essential Eloise by Kay Thompson]. Children's Literature Independent Information and Reviews. Retrieved from U.N.T. Children's Literature Database via Ebscohost:  http://libproxy.library.unt.edu:2378/cgi-bin/member/search/f?./temp/~IvoBjf:4


Library Uses: 


I think that it would be fun for the children to share stories of times when they have wreaked havoc, played orphan, or otherwise, caused grief to adults. We all have those memories and it is so much fun to share it! Drawing a picture of our best disguise with water paints or markers would be fun as an addition.