Rating:  Summary: Great children's book Review: I recently bought from Amazon.com "The English Roses" to send to my 10 year old sister, and she called me today to tell me how much she loved the book and how much she enjoyed the illustrations. The first thing she mentioned was that it was so simple, and she liked the story and the part when the narrator says "now stop interrupting me," and how easy it was to understand the meaning behind the story. Being the huge madonna fan and collector that I am, I rushed to Borders on september 15th to buy the book,and I really like it. It's such a cute story which is so simple to read and to be read. Even grown up ones can really get into this book and they will feel in love with it. For those people who haven't read the book, I hope they will buy the book and read the story to their kids or for themselves before judging it or judging Madonna. There's a moral to be passed on to children and children these days need to learn more about values. I think Madonna wouldn't have written this book if she didn't have something to say.
Rating:  Summary: I think this book is adorable! Review: I got my copy in the mail today... and I think it's adorable! I think the illustrations are unique, very colorful- just like Madonna. I also enjoyed the story and I am considering picking up an extra copy for my ... niece. I can't wait to see what the next installment in November will bring.
Rating:  Summary: Hip, striking illustrations and a good story! Review: If you hate Madonna and anything having to do with her you probably shouldn't bother because you will probably be unable to look at "The English Roses" without the baggage of Madonna's 20 year career and controversy. However, Madonna fans--or those who are Madonna-neutral--will probably agree with me that the story is cute, the narration a bit sassy, and the illustration wonderful. Most adults will enjoy "The English Roses" visually. The look reminded me of the 60s-era funky line drawings overlaid with watercolors I remember from advertisements and pop art. The story has a good moral without being overly preachy or saccarine. If "The English Roses" has a fault I think it would be that it is a tad too text-heavy to be the sort of book one reads TO a child, unless the child is a little bit older and has a longer attention span. Madonna's daughter is seven, and even though it claims to be "for children of all ages", I suspect a child younger than seven might not stay as interested.
Rating:  Summary: This is a book, not a cd!!! Review: This is a book for childreen! Not a cd! Here Madonna is a writer, not a singer. If you don't like her music it doesn't mean that you won't like her book. Can you just understand it please... A lot of critics and news said that this book is good. Madonna is very intelligent, you know she is! This book is very pretty, every child should take a look.
Rating:  Summary: A lovely story that will delight children and adults, too! Review: Madonnna has once again proven how talented she is. What a beautiful story that is well written and entertaining as well. A truly distinctive voice. You go, Girl! .....
Rating:  Summary: This Is a Good Story, Despite What You Think of Madonna! Review: This is a good book with a good message. As a single dad, I am sick of reading books like "Cinderella" and "Snow White" to my daughter, whose characters' happiness depends upon a prince who will save them and marry them so they can live happily ever after. Not only is this type of story unrealistic but also I doubt it is helping my daughter's self-worth in this society. "The English Roses" is about life with a genuine message. It teaches about jealousy and compassion. My 6-year-old daughter, who is not a Madonna fan, loved this story. My daughter also related "The English Roses" to situations at her own school, which gave me a great opportunity to start a conversation/lesson about the topics of jealousy, compassion, and the power of one's words. I don't agree with everything Madonna does and I was unimpressed with her recent publicity stunt at the MTV Awards. But when it comes to books it should be about the story and not the author. If you are writing a negative review because you hate the story then that is fine but please lets not make a children's story about Madonna's public image. Despite what many reviewers on this site are indicating, this book is not just about money. 100% of the money that Madonna makes from this book goes to children's charities. My recommendation is buy this book for your children and read it for them. Make it about the story and not the author and if you don't like it then at least you helped a childrens charity.
Rating:  Summary: The English Roses: A Fine Start Review: As a teacher of English Literature, published writer of fictional short stories and poetry, I appreciate and applaud Madonna's first foray into children's literature. Madonna captures the reader by using colorful illustrations and relateable characters. Madonna expresses genuine emotion and I am sure that young readers will come out of this reading experience having learned a very positive life lesson.
Rating:  Summary: Beautiful Book, Well Written Review: I was very curious to read The English Roses - Madonna's first childrens' book. I read it last night and found it's actually a very nice story with good lessons for children to learn early on. It's definitely one to read aloud. The story's narrator is kinda bossy but funny (think of Angelica in "Rugrats"). The story is about four best friends: Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace (the "roses") who do everything together. There's a problem though... The "roses" are jealous of another girl in the neighborhood named Binah because she seems "too perfect" and they think Binah gets "all the attention...it's not fair!" One night during a slumber party, the "roses" share the same dream in which a Fairy Godmother visits them and offers the girls a chance to live in Binah's shoes. The girls learn a few life lessons during their dream. I'll sum them up below: 1. Don't judge someone based on how they look. 2. Be thankful for the things you have and the people you love. 3. It's not good to be jealous of other people. 4. Treat others as you want to be treated This book's about friendship and acceptance. It's about being happy and grateful for all the good stuff you already have. It's a realistic type of story (except maybe the fairy godmother part) with a sweet ending. It's one I would recommend for early gradeschool or adults who are kids at heart.
Rating:  Summary: All Madonna's proceeds go to charity Review: Madonna is donating all the proceeds from these books to children's charities, not lining her pockets. An excellent book focusing on the golden rule.
Rating:  Summary: very pleased Review: as far as madonna "cashing in" on this book, all proceeds are being donated to charities that benefit children. The story is very cute and the illustrations make it worth buying this book even if you do not like the story. Madonna may not be the greatest role model for children, but i would imagine the children who read this story do not know much about her in the first place. if you choose to open your mind while reading the story, you may be pleasently surprised. by the way, the kabbalah is not mentioned once throughout the story.
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