In hip havens like Portland and Brooklyn—two cities known for their self-awareness—there’s a delightful mix of artisanal food, quirky lifestyles, and an ever-present sense of irony. We take pride in our local, handmade creations and indulge in a wealth of delicious pickled goodies, all while chatting about the significance of our “locally sourced” lives. It’s a playful dance between serious self-reflection and lighthearted jabs at our own pretensions. Sure, I might roll my eyes at the theatrics, but when it comes to kimchi, I’m all in, and I have no intention of heading to the nearest Walmart or relocating to a quiet Montana town. Engaging in this scene is just part of the experience.
Sometimes, this self-awareness transforms into spot-on satire, like in the show Portlandia, while other times it morphs into charming parodies, much like Mallory Kasdan’s delightful children’s book, ELLA. This fresh take on Kay Thompson’s beloved character Eloise introduces us to Ella, an insightful and endearing six-year-old girl living in what she affectionately calls The Local Hotel. As Ella explains, it’s a place with a door “that has no obvious signage.”
With her mother often absent, Ella is raised by a colorful cast of urban caregivers residing at The Local. Among them is her male nanny, Max, who sports tattoo sleeves and dreams of teaming up for a grilled cheese food truck. Then there’s Jack, a bouncer from the rooftop bar, working on his screenplay, and Theo, the hotel’s Artist in Residence, who also walks dogs.
Just like Eloise, Ella revels in ordering room service, but instead of her predecessor’s “planked medallion of Beef Tenderloin,” she opts for pizza from a giant wood-fired oven fueled by logs sourced from the countryside. Because let’s face it, the origins of your firewood matter in these trendy locales! Kasdan, clearly well-versed in her surroundings, weaves in clever details without overwhelming the narrative, ensuring that both kids and their adult companions will find joy in the whimsical nuances. Children will undoubtedly see themselves in Ella when she quips about being “quite scheduled” or mentions her interests in meditation, Zumba, and drum circles. I found myself chuckling out loud at various moments, feeling a warm connection to the characters.
The illustrations by Marcos Chin are stunning, much like Hilary Knight’s classic art for Eloise, filled with humor and rich detail. From hanging terrariums to a guitar casually leaning against the wall, every page offers something delightful to discover. The characters, adorned in trendy tapered jeans, ankle boots, and vibrant ponchos, along with their diverse representations, create a visual feast for readers to savor.
Kasdan’s affection for Ella and her urban environment shines through. Much like Eloise, Ella is irresistibly charming and relatable, equipped with the playful, quirky spirit that readers will love. When the narrative veers away from Eloise’s original charm, it does so in a poignant way. There’s a tender undercurrent woven into Ella’s story, particularly regarding her mother, an actress she connects with via Skype. Ella observes, “Then it’s almost like she’s here with me,” adding a touch of bittersweet realism to her character.
At one point, Ella peers through binoculars into neighboring buildings, witnessing a father getting a glass of water for his child while another child reads under a flashlight before a mother enters and the lights go out. This moment strikes a melancholic chord, but it swiftly transitions into a profound realization about her own place in the universe, contemplating the duality of being “everything and nothing too.” It’s a beautiful sentiment that I hope resonates with young readers.
As trends and lifestyles evolve—just as they have since the original Eloise was published—the vast night sky remains a constant source of wonder for children, including the same one Eloise admired from the Plaza Hotel. It’s a reminder to look up and feel both small and safe, excited for what tomorrow holds.
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Summary
This article introduces ELLA, a modern reinterpretation of Eloise, featuring a savvy young girl navigating life in a trendy urban hotel. Through her whimsical adventures and the colorful characters around her, Ella embodies the charm and humor of contemporary city life. The book captures the essence of childhood wonder while addressing deeper themes of connection and longing.