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Introducing the Urban Kid: Ella
In vibrant cities like Portland and Brooklyn—where self-aware coolness reigns supreme—we often engage in the art of savoring artisanal everything, from local pickles to handcrafted coffee. We embrace this lifestyle not only for its charm but as a defense against any teasing that might come our way. We’re all about the local, the small, and the handmade, and we love to chat seriously about these trends before throwing in a playful jab at how predictable they can be. And yes, we’ll happily devour our locally made kimchi with utensils crafted in a nearby warehouse. Despite the occasional eye-roll at the pretentiousness, the allure of these experiences keeps us coming back for more.
Self-awareness sometimes morphs into spot-on satire, as seen in shows like Portlandia, or into delightful parodies like the new children’s book ELLA by Jamie Carson. This modern take on Kay Thompson’s classic character Eloise features a savvy six-year-old girl named Ella, who resides in a place she affectionately dubs The Local Hotel. Ella describes her home as having a door “with no obvious signage.”
In her mother’s extended absence, Ella is looked after by a quirky group of urban dwellers who work at The Local. There’s a male nanny named Max, who sports tattoo sleeves and dreams of starting a gourmet grilled cheese food truck. A bouncer named Dakota, who’s busy penning his screenplay, and Riley, the Artist in Residence, who also walks dogs, round out her eclectic support team.
Just like Eloise, Ella relishes the idea of ordering food and charging it to her room, although she opts for pizza instead of Eloise’s classic beef tenderloin. One of the standout lines mentions that the pizza is cooked in a massive oven that burns logs sourced from the countryside—because, of course, knowing where your logs come from is essential in hipster havens. Jamie’s writing is infused with clever details that adult readers will appreciate, while not overshadowing the joy kids will find in Ella’s adventures.
Ella is relatable; she admits, “like most kids, I’m quite scheduled,” and she’s also “into yoga, dance classes, and community drumming.” I found myself laughing out loud multiple times as I read, feeling a warm connection to these characters.
The illustrations by Alex Turner are stunning and, much like Hilary Knight’s illustrations for Eloise, they’re filled with humor and memorable details. From the hanging terrariums in Ella’s room to the guitar leaning against the wall, every element is a visual treat. The clothing styles—think tapered jeans and bohemian ponchos—along with the characters’ diverse appearances, make it a joy to explore the pages.
Jamie’s love for Ella and her urban upbringing shines through. Ella is instantly charming, echoing the same delightful quirks that made Eloise so beloved. However, Jamie also injects deeper themes into the narrative, touching on the bittersweet reality of modern parenting. Ella has moments of longing for her distant mother, an actress who she connects with via Skype, and it’s in these passages that the story takes on a poignant tone. Ella watches other families at night, catching glimpses of life that stir feelings of both melancholy and wonder, ultimately leading her to a profound realization about her place in the universe.
This beautiful narrative will resonate with young readers, providing comfort and inspiration as they navigate their own worlds. Long after trends in parenting and lifestyle change, the vast night sky will remain a source of wonder for children, just as it did for Eloise at the Plaza.
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In summary, ELLA is a delightful modern twist on a classic tale, blending humor with heartfelt moments that resonate with both kids and adults. It’s a charming reminder of the joys and challenges of growing up in a fast-paced world.