Product Description

The second truly sumptuous book in this illustrated series by Madonna.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #510669 in Books
• Published on: 2003-11-10
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 32 pages

From the Author
'While I've envisioned myself doing many things in this life, writing children's books was never one of them...Raising kids makes most people, including myself, grow up at least a little. It also makes us more responsible and more thoughtful about our own actions and their consequences for those around us...I hope these chiLdren's books inspire kids of all ages - even grown-up ones. This book was inspired by a nearly 300-year-old story that was told to me by my Kabbalah teacher. It is about the power of words. And how we must choose them carefully to avoid causing harm to others.

The Baal Shem Tov - MASTER OF THE GOOD NAME - who was the author of the original story, was also a great teacher. He dedicated his life to heping others, and stressed the value and importance of love for all people. I hope that I have done his story justice. This book is dedicated to teachers everywhere'- Madonna

About the Author
Over the last 20 years, Madonna has sold close to 200 million albums worldwide with a run of over 25 Top Ten singles, including 'Material Girl', 'Like a Prayer', 'Express Yourself', 'Vogue', 'Ray of Light' and 'Music' and has received three Grammy Awards. She is married to screenwriter/director Guy Ritchie and has two children - Lola and Rocco. They divide their time between the U.S. and England. Her first children's book, THE ENGLISH ROSES, was released in more than 100 countries around the world in September 2003.

Excerpt
'In the town of Happville (which wasn't a very big town), Mr Peabody was congratulating his Little League team on a great game. They had not won, but no one really cared because they'd had such a good time playing. Mr Peabody was a history teacher at the local schoool and during the summer, he dedicated every Saturday to organising baseball gamees with other schools.

Billy Little (who wasnt a very big boy) was one of Mr Peabody's students. He loved baseball more than anything, and he thought Mr Peabody was the greatest. AFter each game, Billy would always help to pick up all the bats and balls. And when they were finished, Mr Peabody would smile and say, "Thanks, Billy, good job. I'll see you next Saturday."'

Customer Reviews

A worthy tale to teach every child!
I've read negative reviews of these books and that surprise me.
These are childrens books, written for children, by a mother who was getting despondant that she couldn't find any books that taught her children morals.
I think its important to forget that this book was written Madonna the superstar, and concentrate on the content. (Though, lets be honest, is there anyone more qualified to combat the books subject matter?)

This particular book deals with THE POWER OF THE WORD, and is perhaps aimed more at boys (simply because of the characters and illustrations), though all kids should be taught the aim of the book. The story has been inspired by some of the teachings of the Jewish spiritual faith 'Kabbalah'. The reality is, the message forms the basics of any sprituality, and general moral that every child should be taught, and the earlier the better.
Yes, its simply written, but the story is well told, and its beautifully illustrated.
I would expect this to be a welcome and worthy addition to any childs book collection.

Doesn't cut the mustard
This book is beautiful. The paper is high quality, the colours outstanding, the print classy. the illustrations a lovely mix of cartoon/photograpgh style. A lot of time and money has been spent on getting the look of the book so lovely, but the story itself is a real let down.
The story can't seem to make its mind up which age group it is for. At times it is really simple and basic but then from no where a larger a more complex word is just thrown in so the 3-4 who was the target age for one part is suddenly expected to understand language way beyond their years.
The story has a strong moral and this is good but it doesn't seem to have any closure to it.
I bought this book as a brand new hardback edition for £2. I think I was ripped off on the story front but got a real bargain for the art work.

smashing book
This book is smashing to help young children understand the importnce of honestly and chivalry in a person and to step into other people's shoes and walk around in them. One of many few books which teaches children subtly and makes an impact on them. I would STRONGLY reccomend this book, as it can help influence a childs way of looking at life.