The English Roses

Madonna's The English Roses is a story of rivalry and friendship among schoolgirls in contemporary London. Four 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.

This tale is cleverly told, with many teaspoonfuls of good humor. Children and adults alike engage with this story that celebrates friendship as much as it teaches compassion. Jeffrey Fulvimari's illustrations are no less than stunning--they fill every page with vivacious black ink lines and gorgeous watercolor reminiscent of 1960s fashion sketches.