Rating: 
Summary: My Daughter Loved It (and so did I)
Review: Sure there's been a lot of hype about The English Roses, but would you expect any less? I have been anxiously awaiting it's arrival.. and the rest of the series as well.My daughter (who is five) and I have read it six times already, and we just got it today. I even cried the first time I read it, when the girls are getting a glimpse into the life of Binah.. and they realize just how good they've really got it. The story is clever, good and kept my daughter's attention again and again.. plus the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. Great job Madonna!
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful!!
Review: This book surpassed my expectations by far. It is a lovely story, with amazing illustrations. Madonna did a wonderful job with this book and I can't wait for the next one, and neither can my daughter, who asked to have this book read 3 times tonight!
Rating:
Summary: ~Madonna? YES, she IS definitely a childrens author!~
Review: First and foremost let me say that the only people that have given this book bad reviews have obviously NOT read the book, are jealous of Madonna's success, self-centered and mainly driven by their ego!!! After reading this book I have to say-WOW, can this woman do everything or what!! I'm a single mother and have just read this book to my 8 year old daughter. Can I just say that I am so glad that I purchased this book because my daughter and I both loved it! What a great storyline along with beautiful illustrations and such a powerful meaning behind it. I can see a bit of Madonna in Binah after losing her mother at the age of 5, as did Binah. This book really shows Madonna's compassionate and caring side, and what a wonderful caring mother she has become. She has truly changed and I believe her children, new husband, and kabbalah have helped. I've always loved her when I first heard her on the radio...years ago and have watched her grow and progress over the years. This book is a definite reflection of that progression in her life and the new path she has taken. It is a true to life, heart warming and feel good story that any kid can relate too. There are too many of these roses in every school...some of them with thorns even that I could relate too!! I am glad the day has finally come where we have real life stories and books for our new little generation that they will remember for a lifetime. Perhaps they will retain these type of stories and apply it to their own lives. This book has a powerful message behind it and can teach our kids valuable lessons and even the ones reading it! I will be first in line along with my daughter to purchase the next book in this series! She takes this book to school and has shown several of her friends. :-) Honestly I was growing quite tired of reading the same old stories with no true lesson behind it. God bless you Madonna!! You are a true reflection that you can do anything and almost everything because you put your heart and soul into everything you do. You are true perfectionist as this book was well mapped out. You've just found a wonderful hidden talent and we look forward to the next book and after all....the proceeds go to charity for children! Bring on Mr.Peabody's Apples!!!! ~~blessings!!
Rating:
Summary: Charming...
Review: This charming little book is about friendship, both it's struggles and joys. Sweet and well-written, the book presents a strong, positive moral about how one should withhold judgment and embrace the greatness within all of us. The illustrations are beautiful. I feel that it is worth noting that Madonna will not make a single penny off of this book. All money will be donated to charity.
Rating:
Summary: Madonna hits another home run
Review: I have purchased serveral copies of this book, one for myself and a few for gifts. I agree with Oprah and USA today, the book is VERY good and kids can learn a good lession from its story. Madonna is a icon and she can add another feather in her hat for this body of work. Her new album American Life is touching as well and any music lover should add the album to thier collection. It seems the material girl has came full circle. Congrats Madonna.
Rating:
Summary: Madonna teaches young girls wisdom in the English Roses
Review: My wife just got the English Roses for my daughter and she instantly loved it. I read the book out of curiosity and I have to admit: I was pleasantly surprised by it. Madonna deserves full credit. The book delivers an important life lesson and teaches young girls wisdom. What better kids' book than that?! My wife and I will be definitely purchasing her next book whenever it comes out. If you have a young girl, buy the book, it's worth it!
Rating:
Summary: GGET THGIS BOOK ITS REALLY GREAT
Review: I JUST FINISHED THIS BOOK AND IT IS REALLY GREAT
MADONNA SHINES THROUGH.. TALANTED AUTHOR WITH SUBLIMINAL MESSAGES TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS. GREAT BOOK KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK CANT WAIT FOR THE NEXT 4...
Rating: 
Summary: Oh brother.
Review: .... Despite the story's attempts at good intentions, it is easily one of the most unoriginal children's books I have ever encountered. It follows a formula which has been done several times before over centuries in so many different ways that it's hard to believe that anyone could mistake it for a truly inspired story. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but when this is the case the author should at least point out on their cover somewhere that they are "telling the story of" a specific tale or structure rather than taking personal credit for it. And speaking of the cover, you know something smacks of desperation when the flap advertises a story about "how to find true-blue friends. And a few red-hot dance moves". That's the sort of twaddled blurb that immediately makes one roll their eyes and realize that marketing is desperate for attention with which to push this one. You'll see why; the text is genuinely flat, pedestrian and lifeless. Madonna has no true sense of verbal flair, rhythm or imagination with word presentation, so the paragraphs and story construction are filled with huge holes resulting in a tale that progresses in fits and starts. Other children's authors have had this problem and even personally admitted to it: former Disney artist Bill Peet has stated in his own autobiography that words have never been his strong suit, and study of his own children's books show this fact. But Peet has imagination and wit that outshines his lack of wordsmithery. Madonna, on the other hand, makes Peet's prose sound like Shakespeare by comparison. Ironically, the one thing that saves THE ENGLISH ROSES from complete mediocrity is a tried and true method for rescuing a book: the illustrations are gorgeous. Jeffrey Fulvimari has a lovely visual style which deserves a far better piece to accompany, light and playful with superb draftsmanship and excellent use of colour. His whimsy has also graced Dean Riddle's OUT IN THE GARDEN. Oh well, if nothing else this book is fine to have if considering cutting the pictures out for framing. I know many out there who do go out of their way to find books with content suitable for the scissors and a frame. For them, this book is a jewel.
Rating:
Summary: A Perfect Book For Little Girls!
Review: I was very uncertain what to expect of this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. My 8 yr. old daughter absolutely loved it. The concept of envy and jealousy can be hard to explain to children but it is an emotion that many naturally feel towards their peers and don't understand. I thought the way in which Madonna told the story was funny, touching, and easy for kids (especially girls) to relate to. The illustrations are captivating as well. I recommend this book!
Rating:
Summary: Judge the book not the author.
Review: While I'm a fan of Madonna's music (and truth be told, her public shenanigans), I was VERY hesitant about buying this book for my children because I am quite protective of what they're exposed to. But instead of condemning it uninformed, I picked up a copy and read it cover-to-cover. I liked it. In fact, I liked it a lot. It's a sweet and funny story that touched my heart and I immediately brought it home to share with my family. My daughter loved the story and admitted that she could relate to the Roses' feelings of jealousy. Madonna has written a lovely story - with an important lesson. It's a nice (clean) story, with terrific illustrations. I urge you to judge the book and not the author.
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