Eloise



First released in 1955, Eloise is a series of children's picture books (initially marketed for "precocious grown-ups" though it was re-released in 1969 as a children's title, though merchandise for girls was produced when the books came out) focusing on the misadventures of a six-year old daughter of a wealthy socialite who just happens to live at the Plaza Hotel with her British nanny.

Originally an offshoot of Kay Thompson's childhood Imaginary Friend and Alter Ego (Liza Minelli was also stated to have served as inspiration for the character), the series has received a number of adaptations, the first being an episode of the live-action anthology series Playhouse 90 in 1956, two made-for-TV movies starring Sofia Vassilieva entitled Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime, and Eloise: The Animated Series. Further adaptations were planned and slated for release, namely the live-action theatrical adaptation of Eloise in Paris and the animated feature Eloise in Africa, but development of the two was stalled indefinitely; Uma Thurman later sued the production company for "a film that never was".

In addition to the main book series, Simon & Schuster released several other Eloise titles 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), as well as several early-reader books "in the style of Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight" in 2005. An audiobook version of the original Eloise, narrated by Bernadette Peters, was released in October 2015 to coincide with the 60th anniversary of the series.


 * Animated Adaptation: Eloise: The Animated Series and the aborted Eloise in Africa.
 * Breaking the Fourth Wall: Done mostly in the adaptations where Eloise addresses the viewer.
 * Cheerful Child: She is shown to be quite carefree and cheerful, which is given as she is a six-year old.
 * Creator Cameo: Series illustrator and co-creator Hillary Knight appears as himself in the film, drawing Eloise and Leon.
 * Creepy Doll: Saylor, her baby doll who has seen better days.
 * No Name Given: Nanny, to the point that her friends and even her own brother refer to her as such. Same goes for Eloise's mother.
 * Official Cosplay Gear: In line with the series' 60th anniversary, Rachel Riley, a designer children's couturier, released outfits and accessories inspired by the character, including a blouse and suspender skirt set similar to what Eloise wears. Similarly-themed clothing for girls were sold at Neiman Marcus and other upscale boutiques during the 1950s.
 * Only One Name: Eloise's surname is never mentioned.
 * Parental Abandonment: Not much is mentioned about her mother, who is often away on an overseas business trip of some kind. And neither is her father, whom is never seen or mentioned at all.