Rating: 
Summary: Great Message for everyone
Review: I picked up the book not knowing what to expect. By the time I got to the end, the message was clear to me that you shouldn't judge people. Its a great message for children and adults. Anykind of media that promotes getting all the facts before you make an opinion about something or someone is fantastic.
Love the illustrations!!
Rating:
Summary: The English Roses
Review: Anyone who watched Oprah today is sure to be impressed with Madonna's inspiration in writing this darling book. All proceeds go to a children's organization based on spirituality and benefiting children. The only thing Madonna is "cashing in on" is being a spectaular, intelligent and talented woman who gives back the love & money she receives to the people.
Rating:
Summary: FLOWERS
Review: Loving and heartfelt, beautifully yet hiply illustrated, Madonna's "The English Roses" is a marvel. It is a straightforward story of love, honor, and respect and how and why we should all fight our bad side so as to allow these attributes to shine through. There is nothing new or revolutionary here, just plain and extraordinary common sense, honestly told.
"The English Roses" is not religious in the strictest sense but it honors the various religions and their adherence to "The Light," God or whatever we choose to call it.
More importantly this book places children firmly in a place of reverence as well as honoring parents as the safe keepers, guardians and instructors in our children's lives.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely Book not a Greedy Endeavor
Review: Please disregard the review from the man who said this is just Madonna's attempt to cash in on motherhood. He obviously hasn't seen any of her television interviews lately. Madonna isn't keeping any of the money from the sales of this series of books. It's all going to a children's charity that teaches them spirituality and lessons for dealing with life. This program helps children to become responsible, loving and kind people who can deal with the ups and downs life sends their way. Sounds pretty valuable to me. So, how is Madonna cashing in on motherhood?I think this book is very well done and I will be giving it as gifts to all the children in my life. In fact, it's a great story for all ages. Perhaps the man's spiteful review of the book was motivated by his subconscious envy of Madonna's achievements and wealth. In that case, he should read the book again.
Rating: 
Summary: Great illustrations, simplistic moral, awkward writing
Review: First, I worked in a children's bookstore for years so I have read plenty of children's stories. Second, of those many stories, I've read many celebrity -written children's books. Talent in one area (despite what celebrities think) does not translate to all areas.
The story is of 5 pick-thin, well-dressed girls who decide to snub a sixth girl merely because she is beautiful. It's hard to believe that not one of them would have the moral sense to have a good reason to hate her(that would have been an interesting angle but alas, no). It's interesting because on the one hand they claim Binah (the beautiful one) gets plenty of attention and yet it turns out that Binah is a virtual slave for her father so how is it she gets lots of attention? Madonna is not one for consistency.
The wording is awkward and somewhat repetitive. (Madonna claimed on Oprah that her 6-year daughter was her editor - that explains a lot). The narrative jumps from a narrator to a fairy godmother who jumps on a sandwich. And the moral just hits you over the head. Poor Binah has no mother, her father has her in a garrot when she not scrubbing the house and she has no friends. But the girls realize the error of their ways and become her friends. With slow-witted girls like these, it's not much consolation.
Don't hate Madonna or Binah because they're beautiful - let's just hope that the promised 4 more tomes from Madonna are better edited or written.
The English Roses has one big plus - beautifully rendered illustrations. I think many celebrities (like Jamie Lee Curtis) get a big boost from great illustrations (although Jamie Lee can write rings around Madonna).
In short, there are many better books out there about envy, friendship and learning about someone before you judge. Pass on this one.
Rating:
Summary: The English Roses
Review: It's good, excellent, I liked it very much. Madonna is a good writter....
Rating:
Summary: Great Book for Great Cause
Review: Just to clarify the response of a prior reviewer. Madonna is not cashing in on the book (or motherhood) in any way. The proceeds are going to children's charities. Just read the back cover. Otherwise the book is a wonderful tale about 5 young girls. It can remind the adult reader how cruel children can be sometimes. (And adults for that matter). The end is very reaffirming (for young girls especially). It has a very positive message and wonderful illustrations. (The puppy poster says "I Love Puppies" and then a few pages later it says "I Still Love Puppies." ) Great gift for any young girl or parent that wants to help instill some positive traits in their child.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful Roses
Review: Over the course of her career, Madonna has developed into a very strong lyricist ' someone who is able to bring across the messages in her songs in a manner that is both accessible, but still has a sense of style. These songwriting skills translate well into her first children's book. The message of the book is straight forward and understandable (don't be envious of others), while the delivery is well done ' both in terms of the text and the accompanying illustrations (beautifully drawn by illustrator Jeff Fulvimari).
Rating:
Summary: Truly inspiring!
Review: Who would have ever thought that Madonna would write a children's book? I certainly never would have imagined it. Yet, here it is. The book is truly inspiring. Madonna has written a tale of jealousy, and how, if you don't know a person, you are judging the outside, but not taking into account what is on the inside. It is a story all children should hear. The English Roses is wonderfully written, and gorgeous in it's illustrations. Pick the book up for the story. Don't judge the book based upon your assumptions of Madonna. Plus, all proceeds for the book go to children's charity, which is a wonderful thing! Despite what a person who posted their review, without having even read the book, said, Madonna isn't doing this to cash in on motherhood. She's doing it to help children, in several ways. The book is great, and I recommend it for children of all ages!
Rating:
Summary: Finally a book that teaches a lesson
Review: Excellent book for young girls to teach them about jealousy and envy. Madonna is not out to make money on motherhood. All proceeds from the sale of this book goes to charity.
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