Rating: 
Summary: Jealous girls are "Roses" ???
Review: I have no argument with Madonna writing a book. But I do take
issue with even writing a book for vulnerable young girls that use the name "Roses" when talking of a group of girls that are the "in" crowd and that leave another girl out who is, what,a thorn? Come on. The editor at this publishing house only
saw the name Madonna, and didn't care what message it gave.
Our society is so enamored with celebrity, and any mother
or father, teacher or librarian who buys this book is passing
on that unfortunate tradition.
Rating: 
Summary: Good work for a first time children's writer
Review: Madonna's heart and ideas are in the right place. Remember, not a dime of this is going to her. She is giving the proceeds from each book to a different organization/charity. The thing I admire most about Madonna is she is impenetrable of critism. The woman is marvelous at maintaining herself. I am happy she has taken an approach for helping others via guidance and love. Especially children. Give her some slack, she is just trying to do good.
Rating: 
Summary: Who cares who wrote it? It's a great kids' book.
Review: Great book. Fabulous illustrations. The technique of 'talking to the kids' through characters works wonderfully well. My children laughed out loud at several of those moments. It also made them realize that the glimpse they have of their friends at school is just that; a glimpse. We never know what goes on behind a family's closed doors. It gave my children discussion questions and thoughts to ponder not only throughout the book, but well after we read it the first time. It doesn't matter who wrote it; it's a great book.
Rating: 
Summary: Oh gee
Review: ... the latest fad--childrens book with paper thin morals, pretty pictures and a flat story I could have written when I was ten. Skip this hypocritical effort.
Rating:
Summary: not worth the money
Review: I liked the illustrations but the story line is poor, cheesy and lacks substance...but then again let's consider who wrote it...Madonna...that should explain why. Just because she is a celebrity, the book is getting much attention. Take it from an experienced children's writer, don't bother wasting your money on this book. If you are curious about the story line, wait until it is available at your local library....then just browse and then put it right back on the shelf where it belongs, to collect dust.
Rating:
Summary: Save your Money
Review: I am like others, the pictures were fine but the story was lacking!!!!!!!! Did not enjoy at all.
Rating:
Summary: The English Roses by Madonna
Review: Disappointed
I read this book both as a mother as a writer; a writer who took 4 years to get her first book published. I think the illustrations are good. The concept for the story is decent. I found the story needed better construction. It begins well but you lose interest very quickly. Writing for children is the one of the most important and challenging things anyone can do. Maybe it won't matter in Madonna's case because of her celebrity.
Rating:
Summary: She tried...she really tried
Review: I really like the pictures in this book. I think they appeal to the modern tweens with their cool girl images and swanky colors. However, the story is very weak. Madonna takes a lesson (don't judge someone before you know them) and she tries to make a story out of it. I think it started well, but she tries to by funny and that doesn't work. She is no Lemony Snicket, my friends. Also...the fairy godmother thing? Come on...that was just...ridiculous. All in all, the story is just too cheesy for me. The last page could've been great! But it lost its magic with the line "I didn't make this up." Couldn't she have been a bit more mysterious than that? Good try Madonna...I'm still waiting for your acting career to get better too... :)
Rating:
Summary: Madonna masters something besides music
Review: "The English Roses" is the first edition to her series of five children's books. It illustrates the realities of living alone, no friends, little personal belongings, little life. The jelousy teaches the readers a valuable lesson. Madonna has a unique, clever idea to pull herself into the story without being apart of it. It's between her narration to common story telling. She makes it easy for kids to understand the story much better, giving some swing words and sentences. Four little girls have been friends all their lives. They call their ensemble "the english roses". Many around them think that they're nice, pretty girls. However, if they knew them better, they'd notice a dark side. A neighbor and fellow school girl starts walking by them more often. Her pretty looks and charming pose imflates jelousy. Those who want to know more must buy the book. "The English Roses" is enjoyable for kids and adults. All kids are recommended to read this at least once. This could be a life changing experience for some. No one will be disappointed. Once purchased and read, keep it as important Madonna memorabilia. In the meantime, read it again and again.
Rating:
Summary: Surprise -- I loved it !
Review: As a 66 year old grandmother, Madonna has been a non-entity to me -- a different generation's music star. However, I was attracted by the cover and started to read it. Surprisingly, I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed the style of writing, the humor and the message, and decided to buy it. Also, the illustrations are beautiful! Even though my granddaughter is 14 years old, probably too "mature" for this book, I will probably give it to her. If it appealed to me, it will probably appeal to her. I will definitely look for Madonna's next book.
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