New York, New York!

I’m doing a lot of traveling this graduation season. That’s got me thinking about the importance of place in some children’s literature. We all know New York is unique – some of us love it, some of us avoid it like the plague. For those whose kids are interested in New York rhythms, here are a couple of my old favs.

From the Mixed up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg is about the adventures of Claudia and her brother Jamie from suburban Connecticut just outside New York who run away to Manhattan. What better place to hide out than the Metropolitan Museum of Art! Just the idea of taking up residence in such a majestic place is mesmerizing. But there’s more. The kids get caught up in a mystery surrounding a statue in the museum. Pegged for kids ages 8-12.

Eloise by Kay Thompson, illustrated by Hilary Knight, follows the minute-by-minute adventures of rambunctious little Eloise who lives in the very fancy and very big Manhattan Plaza Hotel. From pouring water down the mail chute to driving the elevator operator crazy with her endless rides up and down, Eloise’s escapades are quintessential New York. And lots of fun for any kid who has a mischievous heart. Pegged for ages 6-9.

Share your favorite children’s books about New York.