Eloise is a series of children's books written in the 1950s by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. The series is known for its distinctive narrative voice and expressive illustrations, which set it apart from traditional children's literature. The series includes Eloise: A Book for Precocious Grown-ups (1955) and four sequels: Eloise in Paris (1957), Eloise at Christmastime (1958), Eloise in Moscow (1959), and Eloise Takes a Bawth (2002).

The book follows a young girl, Eloise, who lives in the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her nanny, her dog Weenie, and her turtle Skipperdee. The character was developed from Thompson's childhood imaginary friend and alter ego, with Liza Minnelli often being suggested as a possible model for the character. Eloise is portrayed as an energetic and unconventional child, and the books present her daily experiences through imaginative and extravagant scenarios.

Background and creation

thumb|The Plaza Hotel, Kay Thompson began her career as a musician and performer, working in radio, film, and live entertainment. The character of Eloise was developed by Thompson from her childhood imaginary friend and alter ego, Liza Minnelli, who has often been speculated to be a model for the character. Kay Thompson and future series illustrator, Hilary Knight, met through a mutual friend, and Knight offered to do drawings for Thompson's unseen story. The illustrator later stated that Eloise's image was based on a painting from the 1930s by his mother, Katherine Sturges Dodge. Early descriptions of Eloise began as a voice created by Thompson before fully developing into a visual character.

Simon and Schuster released later tiles including Eloise's Guide to Life (2000), Eloise at Christmas (2003), Eloise's What I Absolutely Love Love Love (2005) and Love & Kisses, Eloise (2005). The same publisher began producing Eloise stories "in the style of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight" to their early-reader Ready-to-Reads line in 2005. By 2007, 11 titles had been released in that line. Simon and Schuster also released a 60th anniversary edition of Eloise, which included the original text and additional background material.

Reception

Coverage from TIME Magazine highlights the strong anticipation surrounding Eloise Takes a Bawth, which was released decades after being written in the 1960s. Fans had long been aware of the book's existence and eagerly awaited its publication, prompting Simon and Schuster to print 200,000 copies in anticipation of high demand. Simon and Schuster ended up having huge success with the original book, selling over 2 million copies. The review highlights Eloise's chaotic bathtub adventure, which floods the Plaza Hotel and transforms into a whimsical journey involving pirates and underwater scenes. It commends Hilary Knight for bringing the story to life through detailed illustrations. The reviewer argues that the book appears to glorify misbehavior and questions its long-standing popularity and appeal to children and adults. While their children enjoyed the humor and chaos of Eloise's behavior, the reviewer points out that elements such as limited parental supervision and dated cultural references, particularly in Eloise in Moscow, may make it feel less relatable to modern audiences. By 2020, the film re-entered development at MRC Film, with new writers and producers attached. In August 2025, it was reported that a film version written by Amy Sherman-Palladino was being cast for the main role. In November 2025, newcomer Mae Schenk was cast in the lead role, while Ryan Reynolds is set to portray an antagonist. Sherman-Palladino is set to direct, with the film to be released by Netflix.

Television

  • Playhouse 90, "Eloise" (broadcast on November 22, 1956)
  • Eloise: The Animated Series (broadcast from October 8 to November 12, 2006)

Films

  • Eloise at the Plaza (2003)
  • Eloise at Christmastime (2003)
  • Eloise in Paris (cancelled)
  • Eloise in Africa (cancelled)
  • Eloise (TBA)

Legacy

A portrait of Eloise hangs in the lobby of the Plaza Hotel. They also have a room at the Plaza called The Eloise Suite, which is a permanent themed suite decorated in pink and designed to reflect the character's style. The suite has become one of the hotel's most popular attractions, highlighting the character's lasting cultural and commercial appeal.

Filmmaker Lena Dunham cited Eloise as a major influence from childhood, reflecting the character's lasting cultural impact. Her connection to the series led her to produce the HBO documentary It's Me, Hilary, about illustrator Hilary Knight and the creation of Eloise.

The series has expanded beyond books into merchandise and commercial products, including posters, collectibles, and branded items. The series has also appeared in popular culture, including references in films such as You've Got Mail and an episode in the HBO original series The Sopranos. The brand has extended into retail collaborations and cosmetics, including a bright pink, summer lipstick created by LORAC Cosmetics, reflecting Eloise's recognizable style and branding,

References

  • Irvin, Sam: LIFE Magazine article (26 Nov 1956)
  • Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise; Simon & Schuster; New York; 2011, p. 122.