Although the illustrations are lovely and the big, simple text is perfect for early readers, this modern Eloise title (based on the earlier works of Kay Thompson and the art of Hilary Knight) misses the mark for only one reason: Eloise herself. Eloise is, as usual, entitled and bossy. Our demanding heroine wakes up in her room on the tippy-top floor of the plaza hotel, sees that it is snowing, and announces that "we must go outside... breakfast can wait." She then assembles a snowman in Central Park, complete with a carrot nose, a finely tailored outfit, and a fancy house, all of which are procured in response to her orders to various service professionals. Only then does she decide that she's ready to eat breakfast. Throughout all of this imperious behavior, Eloise says "please" only once, and "thank you" not at all. Despite its value as an easy reader and the charming pictures, pass on adding this book to your collection, unless it's to be included in a lesson on manners as an example of extremely poor etiquette. If you absolutely insist on purchasing it, this book is appropriate for beginning readers through first grade. ( )