“I am Eloise/I am six.” So begins the well-loved story of Eloise, the garrulous little girl who lives at New York’s Plaza Hotel. Eyebrow raised defiantly, arm propped on one jutting hip, Eloise is a study in self-confidence. Eloise’s personal mandate is “Getting bored is not allowed,” so she fills her days to the brim with wild adventures and self-imposed responsibilities. An average Eloise afternoon includes braiding her pet turtle’s ears, ordering “one roast-beef bone, one raisin and seven spoons” from room service, and devising innovative methods of torture for her guardians.
Rating: 4 ****
I’m not sure if this was a commentary on residents of the Plaza and how horrible they are, but that’s what it seemed like. I felt bad for this little girl who obviously was lonely and whose parents weren’t around. It’s actually rather sad.
A dirt-loving pig with a mind of his own. Benny’s mother is cleaning up. First it’s Benny’s potatoes and sticks. She insists on arranging them in neat rows. Then it’s Benny. She wants to give him a bath! And then it’s Little Piggy. She wants to put him in the washing machine. Benny’s had enough. He and Little Piggy run off to find a more congenial home. But, even setting aside the mudholes, the world is not as inviting as Benny had thought. Both tender and hilarious, Olof Landstrom’s portrait of Benny will be immediately recognizable to anyone who has ever debated with a two-year-old.
Rating: *****
All children get angry at some point, especially when there’s so much outside of their control. This is a nice book to discuss anger and communication.
Despite the advice of others in her family, Ella Sarah persists in wearing the striking and unusual outfit of her own choosing.
Rating: ****
I think this story might be more for parents then kids. If you’ve ever fought with your child in the morning about what they’re going to wear you’ll appreciate this story. In the end, you’ll see that all kids dress funny, and then at least you know that it’s a struggle all parents face and that you’re not alone.
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