The English Roses – The Japan Times Review
The English Roses By MADONNA Puffin Books; 2003; 48 pp.
The author of this read-aloud picture book for children sure can sing. But can she write?
Judging from Madonna‘s first of five much-hyped books for children, even grown-up ones, she does a fair job of it, although it’s doubtful that her publishers were too worried about that. It’s Madonna’s name on the cover rather than what’s inside that’s going to clear the book off the shelves, at least among her grown-up readers.
For her younger readers, here’s the lowdown: “The English Roses” is a straightforward story about four little girls who live in the same neighborhood, play the same games, read the same books and like the same boys. In fact, our English roses are even all jealous of the same person: Binah.
Binah seems to have everything (and the operative word here is seems). She’s pretty, smart, sporty and kind, but everyone’s so busy turning green at the sight of her, no one will make friends with her.
Of course, what the roses fail to recognize is that their jealousy of Binah stems from their own insecurity. One night, while they are having a slumber party, they all have the same dream. In their sleep, they get a glimpse of what life is really like for Binah. What they discover makes them change their minds about wanting to trade places with her. Instead, they decide to make a new friend.
The story isn’t going to win any prizes for originality, but Madonna pulls it off with her laid-back yet lively style. After all, as a singer, she’s had enough experience speaking to thousands of young girls worldwide.
The show-stealer here, however, is the exuberant illustration work of fashion artist Jeffrey Fulvimari, black-ink sketches filled in with vibrant watercolors on page after page.
Madonna’s first book is already being celebrated as a global best seller, and her second book, “Mr. Peabody’s Apples,” is just out. It’s a cautionary tale about the power of words and once again, a reminder that things aren’t always what they seem.
Admittedly, both of Madonna‘s books aren’t deserving of the kind of acclaim they’ve been getting, but they shouldn’t be dismissed, either, just because the author is a celebrity. Madonna hasn’t given us a masterpiece in “The English Roses,” but she can certainly write. Take the message of this book to heart. Don’t be too quick to judge people, or books, by their cover.
For children 5 years and older. Available at Kinokuniya and Tower Records (as above).
Source: The Japan Times Dec. 4, 2003