Manhattan kids’ book tour

WHERE TO STAY

The Plaza Hotel, Fifth Avenue at Central Park South; 212-759-3000; www.fairmont.com/thePlaza. For true believers who want to live like the kids’ book character, Eloise, the thing to do is shell out for at least one night at the Plaza. Rooms start at $845 on weekends, but the hotel also has the Live Like Eloise Package, which includes a copy of the book, a Super-Duper Sundae from room service, and Eloise postcards. Rates for the package start at $865 per night. There’s also a Live Like Eloise Slumber Party Package.

Algonquin Hotel, 59 W. 44th St.; 212-840-6800; www.algonquinhotel.com. Famous because the Round Table group of New Yorker writers used to lunch here, the Algonquin has had a resident cat since the late 1930s who’s been the subject of various stories and poems for (and by) children. According to the hotel, Matilda the current cat “receives mail weekly from friends around the world.” Write to her at matildaalgonquincat@algonquinhotel.com. Rooms start at $280.

WHERE TO EAT

Pete’s Tavern, 129 E. 18th St.; 212-473-7676; www.petestavern.com. A Gramercy Park-area landmark, Pete’s dates back to 1864 and says it’s the longest continuously operating bar and restaurant in New York. Ludwig Bemelmans wrote the famous children’s classic “Madeline” here. Italian food, mostly, and mugs of its 1864 Original House Ale. Entrees $11.95–$23.25.

The Red Cat, 227 10th Ave.; 212-242-1122; www.theredcat.com This cozy Chelsea bistro lured me since my wife and I owned a red cat, and my first kids’ book was titled “Red Cat, White Cat.” Try it, not because of that, but due to its small menu of carefully-prepared comfort dishes and neighborhood feel. Entrees $21-$41.

Pushcart stands, Sixth Avenue and 50th Street, various other locations. According to historian Leonard Marcus, one of the very earliest kids’ books about the city was called “New York Cries.” Written by Mahlon Day and published in 1808, it was about street peddlers calling their wares. Street food is some of Manhattan’s most distinctive and it’s a great deal. Plan a meal at one of the superb falafel stands that are clustered around the office buildings near Radio City Music Hall on Sixth Avenue and the corners of 50th and 51st. You can find vendors selling Sabrett kosher hot dogs all over town; order one with mustard, onions and sauerkraut. Pick up a bag of roasted chestnuts in their shells from a pretzel vendor. A Mister Softee cone or Good Humor-brand toasted almond ice cream bar are my picks for a pushcart dessert. Entrees $1.25-$5.50.

WHAT TO DO

The Children’s Center at 42nd Street, The New York Public Library, Room 84, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street; 212-621-0208; childrenscenter42@nypl.org. Check out the children’s department at the world’s most famous library in part for its huge collection but also because you can see old and threadbare stuffed versions of Winnie-the-Pooh and friends. The animals were owned by A.A. Milne’s family in England and are said to have been part of the inspiration for Milne’s classic books including “When We Were Very Young” and “Now We Are Six.”

INFORMATION

www.nycgo.com