Amazon.com Review
If you grew up with Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight's Eloise books, some of her eccentricity probably rubbed off on you whether you realize it or not. Frankly, it's difficult to remain unaffected by a 6-year-old girl who lives in New York City's Plaza Hotel, braids her turtle's ears, talks to Mars through a paper cup, and pours water down the mail chute. Eloise's Guide to Life pieces together snippets from Eloise, Eloise in Paris, Eloise in Moscow, and Eloise at Christmastime in the interest of instructing its readers on "how to eat, dress, travel, behave, and stay six forever." Of course, if everyone took this advice, people would put large cabbage leaves on their heads when they had headaches, throw occasional temper tantrums, comb their hair with forks, and pretend they were orphans to get food from strangers. Like the wee Seuss-isms, this whimsical sampling of Eloise-isms is sure to renew a sense of rebellion and joie de vivre in nostalgic Eloise fans. This small book is perfect for new graduates or for anyone who has forgotten how much fun it can be to wear toe shoes on their ears. For adults who want absolutely everything Eloise, The Absolutely Essential Eloise includes the text and illustrations of the original title, along with a historical scrapbook detailing the making of Eloise. (Grownups) --Karin Snelson