Rating: 
Summary: A nice start, but a bit bossy for a children's book
Review: It's been a great many years since I've read a children's book, but when I heard Madonna was taking a stab at the genre, I had to try her book. I don't regret buying it. It's very sweet really, but not the best children's book ever. Her personality is in it 100%; I can picture her reading to her children, but at the same time, some of the language is a bit awkward and her "do this, don't do this, listen to me" attitude comes through. At times it's a bit pushy for a children's book, I know she means it well, but with someone other than her reading it out loud to a child, it could sound a bit rude or just strange fora children's book. An overall good job though, I enjoyed it and the message is a thing that people of all ages need to be reminded of - jealousy doesn't pay - it only hurts all people involved.
Rating: 
Summary: Best for fans and collectors
Review: I found the book very tedious, wordy, and not well written at all. After the first three pages, I just skimmed--it was too boring to read word for word. I would not purchase it for my children or anyone elses. I think it's fine as a collector's item, or a purchase by Madonna fans. To me, if I could get through reading it once to a child without falling asleep, I would probably not read it again. The characters are not clearly defined, they are like little stick puppets who act out a modern version of an old fashioned Victorian morality tales. Hit them over the head moral stories just don't cut it these days, but this one manages to eek out some appeal because of the illustrations and of course...the celebrity status of the author. I do not object to it because of the author's reputation, but merely because it is a poorly written children's book. Again, unless you just have a "thing" for Madonna, like another reviewer said, wait for this to show up in your library. Or at least before purchasing it, look at it in a book and mortar store and skim through it. I have a feeling this is going to pretty much be a "love it" or "hate it" thing. I know some people are against it just because of who Madonna is, but there are other reviews out and around which are negative based solely on the quality of the book. Bottom line--if you are a fan--buy it----but if you are looking for good children's literature--do a little more exploring. There are tons of excellent books out there, which are little known, because the authors do not have celebrity status.
Rating:
Summary: Roses R red, Violets R blue, if you're a boy - not for U.
Review: What drew me to purchase "The English Roses," were the colorful and bright illustrations created by Jeffrey Fulrimari. He draws with much energy and originality; the English Rose girlie-girls are unique and unlike anything you've seen before.
It has alot of the same appeal as little French Madeline, and that I find very refreshing and beautiful.
The storyline is one typically found amongst our little girls, (peer jealousy.) There is no mention about eight year old boys in the storyline..which is a shame, since I bought this book for my eight year old son. He is an excellent reader and I wanted to reward him with a colorful new book that would magically arrive at our doorstep after school. He didn't really appreciate reading the book, he said it was, "All about silly girls," but he did enjoy the drawings.
Perhaps her next book will focus more on boyhood musings; for her adorable little son's interests. Madonna's first effort in children's books is a credible one, and it would be nothing without the fabulous illustrations done by Mr. Jeffrey.
The lead charactor, Binah, is a reflection of what it must have been like growing up in young Madge's shoes....
She came from nowhere and had not much, and grew to be a rock and roll icon, and she never quite got over the hurt that other women inflict on her because they are jealous of her success.
Perhaps this story is a way for Madonna to let others know she is not a threat, but can be a good and worthy friend ....
A delightful reading experience!
It promotes the thinking that girls can grow up to be anything their hearts desire...and this is the best lesson ever because it's TRUE>>>>>......even grown women can learn something important from this book.
Rating: 
Summary: The English Roses
Review: I thought this was a very good book. My children enjoyed it very much. I bought three copies to give to my friends that have children as well. This book is worth the money!
Rating:
Summary: Great book!
Review: My daughter McKena loves this book.. She sees this happening in her school. She was once like Binah.. No longer..
Rating:
Summary: Daughter Loved this Book!
Review: I have to admit I bought this book out of curiosity more than anything. But I ran home and read it to my 6 year old daughter and she loved the illustrations. She knew the names of the girls 1/2 way thru the book and was really into what was going to happen next. She has shown it to everyone so hands down to Madonna for picking a great illustrator and putting a life lesson in a fun to look at book!
Rating:
Summary: An Intelligent Children's Book.....
Review: It's amazing the amount of detail Madonna was able to put into such a limited amount of words. The English Roses is not just for children. It tells the story about looking beneath the surface and how looks can be deciving. A lesson some close minded reviewers failed to "get" and that's a damn shame considering this is a CHILDREN'S book. (Madonna wrote the book, they don't like Madonna, they don't give Madonna a chance.) Madonna is one of the most intelligent women to ever walk the planet....Anyone could learn something from her and her story, including your kids. Mine do! This is a great book.
Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: This is a wonderful book for a new generation of readers who look toward a positive female role. Many of the books girls grew up reading like Cinderella portrayed women as weak and victims where English Roses portrays the characters that live in each one of us growing up today.
Rating:
Summary: True lessons we all should learn
Review: This book proves that you should judge a book by its content and not its cover (which is great looking) or its author (who just happens to be the biggest selling female artist of all time - yes, more than Mariah and Celine; check the facts regardless what their PR folks say)."The English Roses" is a delightful story that pushes the issues that all need to be taught. The simple message that we should all play nice in the sandbox. Oprah praises it.. the critics praise it.. another home-run for Madonna. Bravo!
Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: My sons 6 and twins that are 8, loved this story and so did my daughter age 14! And I loved it too! I think Madonna did a superb job, I was impressed and I plan to buy all her childrens books in the future. Everyone should buy this book and read it to their children, its an interesting story with an important lesson about friendship and compassion. A good lesson for adults too for that matter.
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