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Summary: Good message decorated whimsically
Review: Whether or not you care about who the author is, the book is delightful for kids and the illustrations are really pretty---very UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG. If there are "haters" out there who tend to be offended by Madonna's sexier image, instead of trashing her for daring to do a children's book, you should be applauding her for doing something that fits more with your moral outlook. Kaballah-kaschmallah, the book is anti-jealousy and very positive for any belief system. If you still hate the messenger, then your reasoning is base politics so what's the point? Fans: Rejoice. Kids: Enjoy. Anti-Madonnaites: Gnash your teeth because she is never going away.
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Summary: ....
Review: Forget Madonna's wild ways. She offers a vital message for girls. Judge the book, not the author.
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Summary: What a great message!
Review: This book has a great message for children and adults. As a teacher I believe this is a book that all students should be exposed to. It is honest and is written in a style that keeps the readers engaged.
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Summary: Wake up & smell the roses
Review: To all the nay-sayers, this book is definitely something parents would be happy to read to their children. It teaches one of the most valuable lessons about life - don't judge a book by it's cover. As for the previous remark made, Madonna isn't cashing in on motherhood - she's keeping none of the profits, all of it is going towards the Spirituality for Children Foundation. With that said, judge the book, not the author.
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Summary: A good story with nice illustrations and great design
Review: I picked up this book, because I am a huge Madonna fan, though I don't always like everything she does. I did like this book.The story is good and very straight forward. The idea of the English roses is clever with side illustrations making little jokes. The message is clear--don't judge others and snob them for petty reasons. It gets a little preachy in places. The writing style is very plain and a little dry, but there are a few occasional remarks that add some character to the book. The illustrations are good and fit the story, though they get a little cacophonous in places. The book is very well designed and laid out, one of the best I've seen. Overall the book is good. There is nothing controversial or questionable, so don't avoid this book, because you think it'll be scandelous. It's not the best book I've read, and if you are looking for something very engaging or cutting-edge new, this isn't it. If you are looking for a simple story to make a clear point about including others and not judging, this is a good book for that.
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Summary: Can't Wait For The Next!!!
Review: I have been waiting for this book for months. I rushed to the store to purchase it when it arrived. I love it!!! Excellent illustration and an excelent story. I believe it will grab the young and olds attention, it did mine. I will definately be reading this to my 3 yr. old. She loves Madonna anyway so I'm sure she will be interrested. I will also encourage my younger sister who is 7yrs. to buy this at her next book fair. I think it teaches a good lesson. How to appreciate the things we do have, and that just because we think that others may have it better than us chances are they may not and even if they do why worry about something as petty as that anyways. Excellent point to be made to the younger generation as well as the older.
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Summary: While not a fan of her music...Her writing is another story
Review: I have never been the greatest fan of Madonna's music, but her children's book has impressed me beyond anything I could have imagined. Having been raised by a children's librarian I have always been a reader and was exposed to some of the greatest books ever written for children. Now an adult, I still find it entertaining to wander to the children's section and see what new book abound. Madonna's "The English Roses" is a wonderful, well written tale which holds a lesson for not only little ones, but for everyone. The world in general would be a better place if we all learned not to judge, but to take the time to learn and understand those around us. I applaude Madonna for stepping beyond her personal comfort zone of music and providing a book I hope to one day share with children of my own.
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Summary: Madonna's true life childhood
Review: If this woman made a cd of farting noises I'd buy the damb thing. So this said, yes I bought the book and for the first time since the video "Dress You Up" I felt like a wannabe.
Wow, that was almost 20yrs ago. Like Lennon and Morrison before her, the pop icon decided to write a book. While they wrote poetry, Madonna did something simple for once without the sex and politics getting involved. Hooray, because this is what makes the book enjoyable.
Speaking from a reader who lost his mother, I could connect with the story, isn't that what art is supposed to do is inspire and develop a connection between artist and follower???
...The book was enjoyable to the degree on what children must of felt when "Yellow Submarine" came out....
The story starts with "The English Roses" clique who have everything and can't stand the poor Binah, who they think has everything.
The ER have a dream one night and the fairy lady comes puts fairy dust on them to have them see what Binah goes through on a daily basis. Boy, did they judge her wrongfully. Pretty girls shouldn't be on their hands and knees or be hardworkers. They are just supposed to be quite and pretty. Not our heroine Binah, with her hardwork she became the world's most famous woman.
Yes, the story could be interuppted as Madonna's childhood...
The book is well written..enjoyable like her pop gem "Dear Jessie". Actually listen to "Like A Prayer" while reading the book and the story is pretty clear!
Yes, she cashing in, but the money is going to charity. If charity is cashing in, so be it. Don't spend the money if you don't have it...
Madonna did not make an American classic but social testament on how if you are different getting treated by your peers is not enjoyable.
I will be buying copies for my nieces and other family members, you should too!
The artwork helps too! Jeffrey Fulrimari did a wonderful illustration job.
...
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Summary: A Literary Masterpiece
Review: I'm not usually into children's books, but was very touched by "The English Roses." Some parts are a little cliché, but the book moves along in an interesting fashion and successfully gives the reader the message of tolerance and love. I'm sure that the main character, Binah, is really Madonna when she was a child. In any case, "The English Roses" is a definite must for kids and adults.
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Summary: Mockery of children's lit
Review: Madonna's first attempt at a children's book is a horrible attempt. She tries much too hard on this whole British thing, channeling Mary Poppins, and is much too obvious with the lessons to be learned by the little girls. The idea that the beautiful little girl has to slave away while the snotty little girls are mean is just a little too "Little Princess" (which is a much, MUCH better book) and very anachronistic. Madonna is trying very hard to build a new classic but fails. There are great children's books out there, many with good messages, but this is not one of them.
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