In vibrant cities like Portland and Brooklyn, known for their deep-seated self-awareness, we indulge in a lifestyle brimming with artisanal flair—think local produce, hand-made goods, and even pickling everything that’s not nailed down. This conscious effort to embrace the quaintness of our surroundings often comes with a tongue-in-cheek acknowledgment of our quirks. We revel in discussing the merits of small-batch everything, from kimchi to coffee, while simultaneously poking fun at our own predictability. I find myself swept up in this delightful dance, yearning for that tangy kimchi, while not quite ready to abandon the hustle and bustle of city life for a quiet town in Montana.
Self-awareness often leads to brilliant satire, as seen in shows like Portlandia, or manifests as charming parodies, such as the delightful new children’s book, ELLA by Mallory Kasdan. This fresh take on Kay Thompson’s beloved Eloise follows the imaginative six-year-old Ella, who resides in The Local Hotel—a place she describes as having “a door with no obvious signage.”
With her mother often away, Ella is surrounded by a quirky cast of urban caretakers. Among them is Manny, her male nanny with tattoo sleeves who dreams of launching a grilled cheese food truck. There’s also Maverick, the rooftop bar bouncer busy working on his screenplay, and Topher, the hotel’s Artist in Residence who moonlights as a dog walker.
Just like Eloise, Ella finds delight in ordering food with a charge to her room, though her cravings lean towards pizza rather than Eloise’s more sophisticated “planked medallion of Beef Tenderloin.” In one of the book’s standout moments, we learn that the pizza is baked in a massive oven fueled by logs sourced from the countryside. Log origins matter in these self-aware enclaves, after all. Kasdan’s sharp wit shines through, offering treasures for both adult readers and their children. Kids will surely see themselves in Ella as she quips, “…like most children I’m quite scheduled,” and expresses her interests in meditation, Zumba, and drum circles.
The illustrations by Marcos Chin are simply stunning—richly layered with humor that enhances the narrative with delightful details. From hanging terrariums to guitars, the visual elements complement the story beautifully. The characters, clad in trendy outfits, showcase a diverse range of appearances that invite readers to linger over every page.
Kasdan’s affection for Ella and her modern upbringing shines through. Like Eloise, she is instantly captivating, armed with the delightful quirks and clever punchlines that evoke fond memories. Yet, Kasdan adds a layer of depth that makes Ella’s story resonate on a more emotional level. There are poignant moments reflecting the complexities of contemporary parenting, as Ella navigates her relationship with her distant mother, an actress she watches on screen—”Then it’s almost like she’s here with me.”
Ella’s nighttime binocular peeks into other households reveal tender scenes that evoke a sense of longing, but they also lead to profound revelations about her own existence. It’s a beautifully moving moment that encourages children to ponder their place in the universe.
As trends come and go, and lifestyles shift and evolve, the vastness of the night sky remains—a comforting constant for children to gaze upon with wonder and curiosity. Just like Eloise once did from the Plaza Hotel, they too can feel small yet safe, excited for the adventures that await.
In case you’re looking to explore more about home insemination techniques, check out our post on the at-home insemination kit, a great resource as well as couples’ fertility journey for intracervical insemination. Additionally, if you’re interested in understanding what to expect during your first IUI, this article from Parents is an excellent guide: What to Expect When You Have Your First IUI.
In summary, Ella’s journey is a captivating mix of humor and heart, bringing a modern perspective to the classic tale of a spirited young girl. Her adventures resonate with both children and adults, making it a delightful read for all.
Keyphrase: Modern children’s book review
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