Rating: 
Summary: Typical Celebrity-Book Fare
Review: As far as children's-books-by-celebrities go, the good, the bad, and the ugly, The English Roses is merely bad. Which is rather high praise, all things considered. I expected the book to be downright ugly.Instead, it's mostly harmless. The four "main characters," the group of girlfriends known as "the English Roses," are featureless and interchangeable. They have lots of fun dancing, talking about boys, and having sleepovers. They are also united in their hatred of the prettiest girl in school (the drawings of this girl look suspiciously like Madonna), having drawn the conclusion that all pretty girls are stuck up. Enter a fairy godmother who offers the Roses a chance to trade places with the pretty girl, to see what her life is really like. Once the Roses find out the truth about the pretty girl, they feel more kindly toward her, and invite her to be their friend. The message -- don't judge people by their looks -- is heavy-handed. No, wait...it's HEAVY-HANDED. I mean REALLY HEAVY. And this is to blame for most of the book's badness. If you are a nitpicky reader, like me, other things contribute to the badness, like the fact that there are no characters -- nobody has any distinct characteristics. There's also no real story; this could hardly even be called a fable. All of it is rote and not terribly deeply-felt. It's also not a picture book. Even a "story" as trite as this one would have been better served in a middle-reader or chapter book format. No wonder the four Roses have no personalities -- there's hardly enough time to develop those personalities or the dynamic of the group in a mere 32 pages. Given the age of the Roses, also -- I figure they must be preteens, since they talk about boys, yet they still have sleepovers -- this should have been a middle-reader. I know it's Madonna, and people of all ages are going to buy the book for people of all ages. But droves of people would have bought it anyway if it was an illustrated chapter book. Chapter books, however, are not cute, and picture books are. Speaking of cute, I loved the illustrations in this book. They're girly and sweet and cheeky all at once. The illustrator captured a unique spirit that belongs solely to the English Roses. If they have any personality at all, it's because of him.
Rating: 
Summary: Lovely Roses
Review: When I heard Madonna was writing a children's book, I was skeptical even though she was a great pop icon and read big books. However, I was presently surprised when I read The English Roses.
The story is about feeling green with envy, blue with loneliness, pink with embarrassment, purple with rage, and how to find true-blue friends. Each character in the book is written almost perfectly to complement the theme. The ending is affirmative and engaging. This book is set not only to keep children delighted but will also bring some moral relief to adults alike.
As a first time children's book author, Madonna has done a pleasing job in piecing a fairytale together. Afterall, what makes a fairytale is still a sweet saccharine ending.
Good work, Madonna and I urge people to read it before passing on irrelevant remarks. please judge the book and not the author. If you haven't read it, save the unsavory and judgemental comments to yourself.
Rating:
Summary: The English Roses by Maddona
Review: ... The English Roses' got a cool story (it's a little trite, but my 4-year-old loved it), lots of pictures and it's an overall positive change for Maddona. I got this book today - and, may I tell you something? My kid wasn't the only one that enjoyed it.
Rating:
Summary: A new facet to Madonna's career
Review: This book is a wonderful, whimsical story that children will love. The illustrations are intricate and beautiful, and the story is a perfect way to end the day.
Rating:
Summary: The Smell of Sweet Roses
Review: I purchased the book today, and was surprised that here in Denver, Colorado at a major retail store a 2pm in the afternoon I was the first one to purchase a copy. When I got home and removed the cardboard cover, I was still a bit up in the air about Madonna's writing abilities, having felt that her last album, "American Life" was a bit too me, me, me, me. It's pretty hard to feel sorry for her in the songs that follow the title track, when she's speaking about all her material assets, and she's still photographed carrying around her Louis Vuitton bag that is the envy of Hollywood and the like. I must admit the book, even for "grown-ups", is quite enjoyable. The dialogue is sharp but sweet, the story is simple with a message, and it only takes about 15 minutes to read. The illustrations are well drawn and fit with the context of the story well. It flows nicely and has simple and advanced words that your children and you can discuss (and maybe even learn) together. The only downside (if there is one) is that there isn't one single male in the story, possibly making this a hard sell to boys. But the bookmark on the inside sleeve for "Mr. Peabody's Apples" could find it's way onto the male bookshelves as well. ...
Rating:
Summary: Morality from a different point of view
Review: Morality is a tough issue to not only write about, but to write about and be ACCEPTED for. Madonna -- like many of us if we're totally honest -- have things in our past that gave us a certain type of reputation. Does that mean one cannot change and become the 'good girl' later in life? I think not. She is the mother of 2 gorgeous children and only wants the best for them, as does any parent in the world. Lighten up and live in the moment. I say, WAY TO GO, MADONNA!' She is an exceptional woman who is being the best person she can be.
Rating:
Summary: THE ENGLISH ROSES by MADONNA is INSPIRING
Review: The English Roses tells the story of four little girls-Nicole, Amy, Grace and Charlotte who are eleven years old and the very best of friends. "They are practically glued to each other at the hip," writes Madonna in her book, and they are all "a little bit jealous of another girl in the neighborhood"-a beautiful girl named Binah whose seemingly perfect life makes them "green with envy." However, when a feisty, pumpernickel-loving fairy godmother takes them on a magical journey, they learn to their great surprise that Binah's life is not nearly as enviable as it has seemed. The English Roses is an inspiring story about the importance of compassion and the rewards of friendship. Madonna drew on her own experiences when writing this book. "As a child, I experienced jealousy and envy toward other girls for any number of reasons: I was jealous they had mothers, jealous they were prettier and richer," she says. "It isn't until you grow up that you realise what a waste of time those feelings are." THE ENGLISH ROSES is a wonderful book that deals with subjects not often found in childrens books today. I am in my mid twenties and even I was inspired by this little book. This book has also reminded me that jealousy and envy are just a waiste of time. I am sure some of the critics who are also full of jealousy and envy when it comes to MADONNA will attack this any way they can, but as MADONNA says Love is the only thing that matters. One of the most inspiring sayings that came to me when I read this goes something like this. Whenever you find yourself the victim of other peoples bitterness, jealousy, ignorance or insecurities, always remember things could be worse, you could be just like them. Good job MADONNA this was a great book, and I can't wait for all the other four. By the way all the money from this book after publishing costs will go to childrens charity, and thats great for MADONNA.
Rating:
Summary: Magistical!
Review: So maybe I am a big fan of Madonna in general. Given this, the book is truly inspiring, even for a 21 year old working in the financial services industry. My boss spent five minutes reading it and ended up tearing up, it was a fascinating sight.
Rating:
Summary: A Star Shines Bright With Her Pen
Review: A Star Shines Bright With Her Pen.
Maddona is a star that shines her brilliance with her pen. 'The English Rose' is a children's book that all adults should read. The story deals with the emotions of jealousy and how authentic friendship can overcome negativity that is so destructive in many peoples lives. Well done In-Deed Maddona. in Love & Joy Michael Levy ...
Rating:
Summary: Artistic, Warm and Very Enjoyable
Review: Madonna has been revealing her softer side to the public for the last 4-5 years now, beginning with her role in "Evita" and the pregnancy of her first child. Her first children's book, The English Roses, is yet another journey on which we get to accompany her into her artistic creativity and share with her a craft she can confidently add to her already magnificent repertoire. ... Madonna has more than enough money to have cashed in on anything except another spirited talent. As opposed to her controversial artistic past, this book is heartfelt and warm and a great read for all ages - from tots to adults.
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