In vibrant locales like Portland and Brooklyn—two hubs of self-consciousness in America—the pursuit of artisanal goods, local produce, and unique culinary experiences has become an art form. We revel in the charm of the small and handmade, often discussing our preferences with a seriousness that belies the whimsical nature of our pursuits. We savor every bite of our meticulously prepared kimchi, often crafted from ingredients sourced right from our neighborhoods, all while sharing a knowing chuckle about the predictability of our hipster lifestyles. Although I sometimes wish for a break from this self-importance, I can’t help but indulge in the flavorful kimchi, and I’m certainly not ready to relocate to a quiet Montana town. Engagement, in various forms, is simply part of the game.
Self-awareness manifests in delightful ways, from the satire of shows like Portlandia to the charming parody found in Mallory Kasdan’s new children’s book, BELLA. This reimagining of Kay Thompson’s beloved Eloise introduces us to Bella, a savvy and lovable six-year-old who resides in a place she affectionately dubs The Local Hotel—characterized by its door “with no obvious signage.”
During her mother’s prolonged absence, Bella is looked after by an eclectic community of urban dwellers who inhabit and work at the bustling hotel. Among them is her male nanny, Max, who sports tattoo sleeves and dreams of launching a gourmet grilled cheese food truck. There’s also Jett, a bouncer moonlighting as a screenwriter, and Quinn, the Artist in Residence who doubles as a dog walker.
Much like Eloise, Bella delights in ordering room service and charging it to her account, though her preference leans toward pizza instead of Eloise’s “planked medallion of Beef Tenderloin.” A standout moment describes the pizza cooking in a massive oven fueled by logs sourced from the countryside—because, naturally, the origin of your wood matters in these self-aware hotspots. Kasdan expertly weaves witty details throughout, offering tantalizing nuggets for adult readers that will sail right over the heads of children, preserving the book’s enjoyment for all ages. Kids will surely relate when Bella remarks, “…like most children, I’m quite scheduled.” She’s also keen on meditation, Zumba, and drum circles. I found myself laughing out loud and feeling an affectionate connection to these characters.
The illustrations by Marcos Chin are stunning, reminiscent of Hilary Knight’s cherished artwork for Eloise, filled with humor and rich details. Bella’s room features hanging terrariums—now commonplace in both flea markets and upscale stores—along with a guitar leaned against the wall and an endearing scene of her muddling mint leaves. The characters, adorned in tapered jeans, ankle boots, and vibrant ponchos, create a visual treat that’s a joy to explore.
Kasdan clearly has a deep affection for Bella and the urban environment that shapes her. Young readers will undoubtedly be captivated by Bella’s charm and her quirky, yet relatable, nature. As the story veers away from the classic Eloise narrative, it introduces a poignant layer that resonates with modern parenting guilt. Bella’s relationship with her distant mother, an actress she connects with through video chats, adds a touch of melancholy. Bella often watches her mother play roles as other kids’ moms and wistfully remarks, “Then it’s almost like she’s here with me.”
In her nighttime observations through binoculars, Bella sees a father getting a glass of water for his child, followed by a bedtime story read with a flashlight—a scene that evokes a brief moment of nostalgia. Yet, this mood shifts to a profound realization Bella experiences about her own place in the universe, contemplating her smallness amidst the vastness of existence, an epiphany that is both tender and thought-provoking.
This beautifully crafted narrative reminds us that while trends and lifestyles may evolve—just as they have since Eloise first graced the pages of children’s literature—the timeless wonder of the night sky remains. It’s a sky that Bella, like Eloise, can gaze upon, inspiring awe and a sense of security for the adventures that await.
In conclusion, Bella is not just a charming character; she represents a blend of modernity and nostalgia, making her a delightful addition to the world of children’s literature.
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