This lot spotlights Eloise, the protagonist in a series of children’s books written by Kay Thompson and illustrated by Hilary Knight. Eloise is the 6-yr-old girl who lives in the “Room On The Tippy-Top Floor” of the Plaza Hotel in New York. The first Eloise book was published in 1955. The superb pen and ink watercolor art is on 7.75x10.75” high quality Strathmore 500 Bristol board. Art area is 4.5x6.5”. This decidedly baseball themed art (catering to Richard’s love of the game) depicts Eloise wearing jersey that reads “The Plaza 3” ball cap, baseball glove on one hand, baseball in the other while balancing a bat on the tip of one foot. On either side of her are her pet pug dog Weenie and turtle Skipperdee. Both have catcher’s mask, Weenie wears this over face while Skipperdee wears this on its back covering turtle shell. Signed at lower left “For Richard Merkin From Hilary Knight 2004.” N. Mint. Two additional items personally for Richard are included. One is a hand-written letter from Hilary signed and dated March 1, 2004 which reads in full “Dear Richard, Well It Took Far Too Long!..A Thank You For The Fantastic Stelhi Silk Design Book Including My Parents’ Work..Something I Treasure! Hope Everything Is Going Well For You. Best Hilary.” N. Mint. Second item is 1999 hardcover copy with dust jacket of “The Ultimate Edition Eloise” Simon & Schuster book. Signed and inscribed on inside front cover “For Richard Merkin & His Family With Very Best Wishes From Hilary Knight 2004.” N. Mint. From the Richard Merkin Collection and comes with COA.