Kay Thompson was a singer, dancer, vocal arranger and coach to many MGM musicals in the 1940s. The Eloise character grew out of the voice of a precocious six-year-old she used to put on to amuse her friends. Collaborating with Hilary Knight on what was an immediate bestseller, Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight became literary sensations when the book was first published in 1955. More than 2 million copies have been sold to date and there are 3 more to be reissued my S&S!

Eloise lives with her nanny at The Plaza Hotel in New York. The daughter of extremely rich parents, she is left daily to her own devices. She knows everything about The Plaza and everyone in it. Henry James would want to study her. Queen Victoria would recognise her as an Equal. The New York Jets would want to have her on their side. Lewis Carroll would love her (once he got over the initial shock). Her antics are hilarious, her characterisation of those around her, perfect and whether you are about to fall in love with Eloise or you already adore her, you ought to have this book.