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List Price: $19.95 | | Publisher: Callaway
Salesrank: 25779
Released: September 15, 2003 |
| Our Price: $2.46 |
| Used Price: $0.01 |
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| Media: Hardcover |
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Editorial Review:
The English Roses is a story of rivalry and friendship among schoolgirls in contemporary London. Four little girls-Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace-are eleven years old and the very best of friends. They have sleepovers, picnics and ice-skating parties that exclude Binah, a beautiful girl 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 had seemed. The English Roses is an inspiring story about the importance of compassion and the rewards of friendship.
Description of The English Roses:
Madonna hangs up her material-girl cloak to teach children the importance of looking beyond a surface sheen. In The English Roses, the superstar's children's book debut, four little girls (the roses in question) "play the same games, read the same books, and like the same boys." Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace all love to dance the monkey and the tickety-boo… and they all are horribly jealous of Binah, the perfect, beautiful, smart, kind girl who lives nearby. Even though they know Binah is lonely, she makes them sick. They would say, "Let's pretend we don't see her when she walks by." And even, "Let's push her into the lake!" The pleasantly bossy narrator explains, "And that is what they did. No, silly, not the lake part, the pretending not to see her part." One night, however, the four girls all have the same dream that sets them straight. A fairy godmother sprinkles them with fairy dust and takes them to spy on Binah. When they see that she lives alone with her father, slaving away night and day at household chores, the four girly grumblers feel very sorry for her. The fairy scolds them, "… in the future, you might think twice before grumbling that someone else has a better life than you." And they do. This morality tale is nothing new under the sun, but it is cleverly told, with many teaspoonfuls of good humor. Jeffrey Fulvimari's illustrations are no less than stunning--filling every page with vivacious black ink lines and gorgeous watercolor reminiscent of 1960s fashion sketches. Children will enjoy this "don't hate me because I'm beautiful" story that celebrates friendship as much as it teaches compassion. (Ages 6 and older) --Karin Snelson
The English Roses Reviews:
Can't we all just get along? 
2008-04-09 - Madonna, never one to shy away from controversy, has once again landed in familiar territory, allbeit undeserving, you guessed it, good ole controversy. First off, I find it curious that as of this writing, there are 315 reviews for this book which is Madonna's first book. Of those 315 reviews, the overwhelming(175)have given five stars to the book. Yet, the first page(where most people look)has three reviews, two one stars, and one three stars. Hmmm, maybe Madonna should write a book about fairness. The editorial reviews give you the synopsis of this book, judge for yourself if the storyline(not the author) is something that is worthy of your childs attention. The moral of the story is something that is told in a very enjoyable manner by the mouse. Children can be very cruel and if this book, which it can, bring some understanding between children, than hip-hip hooray for Madonna. This book was obviously written for an English audience but it works for American culture too , if you fill in the blanks for your little one that is. All in all I think this is a good children's book and recommended to help a parent teach about being kind to other children. We don't need more Columbine's but can use more good positive messages to help kids get along. Step away from the Madonna haterade and take it for what it is, a good children's book with a positive message and richly illustrated.
The English Roses 
2007-01-02 - OK, for those that don't like Madonna---step aside and give this book the objective review it deserves... This book was a gift for my daughter of 7 years. I loved many things about this book. The story is simplistic which for a target age of 7yo was perfect for my daughter. And yes, Madonna is American, but this is the ENGLISH Roses so yes, football = soccer!! OK, off my soapbox now. The story was fun and if you are really paying attention, you will notice a little mouse following the Roses around throughout the book. The mouse is a great storyteller!! The pictures are absolutely beautiful and each glance at the book brings a detail you didn't notice previously. I found the book to be perfect for any little one who might be experiencing the struggle between doing what's right versus what might be popular.. I thought it sends the right message that people are not always what they first seem. We will read this book over and over again... I hope that she will write more about the Roses than the two she has already written. Well worth the read!!
A tale told 1001 times before 
2006-12-13 - Other than some colorful graphics there isn't much to be had in this insipid tale of poor Binah, who finds herself odd girl out of the English Roses. It seems to be written more with teenagers in mind, but the level of writing is that of 4-8 year olds. I have a copy that was translated into Lithuanian, which pains me to read each time my little girl asks for it. Not so much that my Lithuanian is that bad, but the story itself is so boring and comes to such a trite ending with nothing much along the way to capture my girl's attention. Yet, she likes the pictures. I think Madonna better stick to making music and song and dance videos, because she is clearly out of her realm when it comes to children's stories.
I was surprisingly impressed!
2006-12-12 - First and foremost, I recommend this book for young girls!
I have run hot and cold with Madonna throughout the years. I enjoyed a lot of her music, but didn't agree with some of her actions. In fact, when my daughter was young I didn't allow her to listen Madonna's music, because I felt it was inappropriate. So, it was with curiosity that I picked this book up at the bookstore when I saw it. I anticipated a cursory review, but instead ended up reading the book in its entirety.
I found myself smiling at the fact that Madonna and I were on the same page (no pun intended) and I purchased the book for my daughter. I am happy to say that my mother's long ago advice to "Never judge a book by its cover," came back to me. I can't wait to read the other books Madonna has written. I think she's a very intelligent and loving woman with good values, although they don't always seem to be her driving force.
I noticed that someone was critical of Madonna's writing style being too young, yet professionals are taught to write to a [...]level (for other professionals), so I don't see that as problematic.
The illustrations was better than the writing.... 
2006-11-26 - I have nothing against Madonna and her idea of writing children's book (koodos). But, WOW! Please stick to writing music not a book. Some famous people do successfully write a children's book but in this case, Madonna should have seeked help and advice from a good children's book writer. As an Illustrator who love creative children's books and I hope one day to write one, I thought the Illustration in this book was fantastic! The story was pretty much unrealistic especially this day in age for pre-teens. Maybe if Madonna tries to write another children's book, perhaps she should anonymously pass the rough draft to a few writers to proof read and give a honest critique before she decides to publish a book. Sorry Madonna.- Your true fan.
