Book Blog Mod. 2B: Eloise
Thomas, K. and Knight, H. (1957). Eloise In Paris. New York: Simon and Schuster.
I'd never read any Eloise book. Maybe it was my blood sugar or something, but at first, I simply couldn't STAND the book. The character of Eloise drove me crazy. I found her an obnoxious, spoiled wretch and wasn't sure I could read the book.
Then I ate some food and tried again, and I found myself really liking it. The illustrations are whimsical, simple, and yet full of such complexity; I had a moment of delight when when I recognized the loud Dallas woman that Eloise met on her initial plane trip later on in a restaurant scene, recognizable by her oil well charm bracelet. The text is similarly whimsical and fun, with random onomatopoeias, tidbits of French, and childlike affectation. With food in my stomach, Eloise became a charmingly curious, exuberant kid. Yes, it is wish-fulfillment--what child doesn't wish to have friendly adults catering to their every need? But it's also a fun account of a kid's envisionment of Paris--she notices things that adults don't, and it makes it fun to read.
Unfortunately, because of this book's age, and apparently an upcoming movie, finding reviews for the book itself was a bit tricky; even the basic newspaper reviews required a subscription to read. I finally had to resort to "man on the street" sort of responses, much to my frustration. Luckily, it's the Internet; everyone shares their opinion, whether you like it or not. Common Sense Media has less to say about it than it did The Giving Tree. It praises the bountiful illustrations, and claims that "Eloise's enthusiasm for her new surroundings and the foreign language is delightful to both grown-ups and kids." It warns that characters are shown smoking, but in 1950s France, I think I would be more startled if no one was shown smoking. On the other side, one Amazon reviewer took umbrage at Eloise saying, "Oh my Lord!" claiming it disrespectful to their values. Well, I suppose it's good that they noticed the language and not the smoking, Johnny Walker, and nude statuary. Another reviewer fumes that it teaches children bad English, bad morals, and to have ADD. This only helps me decide that many random reviewers on Amazon are idiots, since he seems to think that allowing a six-year-old character to use "a plethora of made up words and misspelled words" is something to be shocked and appalled at. (Not like children use made up words! Never!)
This book series remains popular among children today, and I know I found it enchanting. Seeing as over two million copies have been sold, I'd think it foolhardy not to have it on a library shelf. Kids obviously like it, and the illustrations stand up beautifully, despite using only two colors.