THE ENGLISH ROSES. HAND SIGNED BY MADONNA , The Rock Singer & Hollywood Actress, Her First Childrens Book, with SLIPCASE, Book #1 in Series, Rivalry and Friendship Among a Group of Schoolgirls in Contemporary London. Endearingly American Vision of the E

Hand SIGNED & Written BY MADONNA in Blue Ink , Her Married Name is ( Richie ) , The Rock Singer Actress, Whimsically Delightful Illustrations in Color By Jeffrey Fulvimari, DJ Designed By Toshiya Masuda, Blue & Pink Illustrated Endpapers, GUARANTEED

ISBN 10: 0670036781 / ISBN 13: 9780670036783

Published by Callaway NY, Printed in UsA, 2003

About this Item

HBDJ, Stated 1st Edition, 2003, Unpaginated BUT 46 pgs, FINE CONDITION, Pictorial boards with matching dustwrapper, as issued. FINE- SLIPCASE, Very light Wear, SIGNATURE GUARANTEED AUTHENTIC. Endearingly American vision of the English, but still a nicely DOne debut all the sAME, and attraCtively produced with effectively complementary illustration work. Quite a charming production! This book has been personally autographed on the first page by Madonna in blue felt tip ink. Signed copies of this book rarely make their way onto the marketplace, A very colorful book with many wonderful illustrations. This great book also has it's own slip case to protect the cover. Seller Inventory # 23291

Bibliographic Details

Title: THE ENGLISH ROSES. HAND SIGNED BY MADONNA , ...

Publisher: Callaway NY, Printed in UsA

Publication Date: 2003

Binding: Hard Cover

Illustrator: Jeffrey Fulvimari

Condition: Fine

Dust Jacket Condition: Fine

Signed: Signed by Author

Edition: First Edition

About this title

Synopsis:

The English Roses is a story of rivalry and friendship among schoolgirls in contemporary London. Four little girlsNicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Graceare 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.

Review:

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 humour. Jeffrey Fulvimari's illustrations are no less than stunning, filling every page with vivacious black ink lines and gorgeous watercolour 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. It's recommended for ages six and above. --Karin Snelson