MADONNA

Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone Ritchie was born in Bay City, Michigan, and is one of eight children in a large Italian family. She demonstrated an early love for music—particularly that of nearby Motown—and dance, winning a scholarship to the University of Michigan.

She arrived in New York City shortly thereafter to pursue a career in dance, eventually working with Martha Graham and the Alvin Ailey Dance Troop.

With her passion for music, Madonna joined several groups, including The Breakfast Club. She was signed to Sire Records in 1982 and began a recording career that has spanned more than two decades and is recognized as one of the most successful and influential of modern times.

Over the last 20 years, Madonna has sold close to two hundred 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.

Madonna's film career includes the hits Desperately Seeking Susan, Dick Tracy, A League of Their Own, and the acclaimed documentary Truth or Dare. Her starring role in the film of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's musical Evita won her a Golden Globe Award.

Madonna has also appeared in the highly regarded Broadway production of David Mamet's Speed-the-Plow, and made her West End stage debut in spring 2002 in a sold-out run of the play Up For Grabs.

She has written six picture books for children, The English Roses, Mr. Peabody's Apples, Yakov and the Seven Thieves, The Adventures of Abdi, Lotsa de Casha, and The English Roses: Too Good To Be True.

She is married to screenwriter/director Guy Ritchie and has three children, Lola, Rocco, and David. They divide their time between the United States and England.

AUTHOR'S STATEMENT

"Most people think that I've made a career out of doing the unexpected, and to a certain extent, they're right. While I've envisioned myself doing many things in this life, writing children's books was never one of them. So how did it happen? The idea first came about through my Kabbalah teacher, who suggested that I share the spiritual wisdom I've learned studying the Kabbalah by writing children's stories. And then there's my own children. 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. Reading to my kids at night seemed like the ideal time to teach them a thing or two about life, love and the pursuit of happiness. The world's seal of approval could never mean as much to me as my daughter's. If she fidgeted, fell asleep or reached for another book while I read my "works in progress" to her, I knew I was not finished with my work. I hope these children's books inspire kids of all ages—even grown-up ones."

Q&A WITH THE AUTHOR

You've said that although you'd envisioned yourself doing many things in your life, writing children's books was never one of them. Why did you decide to write a series of books for kids? And why now?

For two reasons: I have two children now, and they are a source of great inspiration for me. I am on my own spiritual path and have learned a great many things. Among them is the importance of sharing and the desire to enlighten others. Children are naturally open and expansive, so I thought I would start sharing what I have learned with them first.

You've described The English Roses as a book about jealousy and envy and how these emotions cause so much unnecessary suffering in our lives. Was there anything in particular from your own experiences, as a child or an adult, which made this an especially relevant subject for you to explore?

As a child I experienced jealousy and envy towards other girls for any number of reasons: I was jealous they had mothers, jealous they were prettier or richer. It isn't until you grow up that you realize what a waste of time those feelings are. I now, of course, experience the reverse, with people either being jealous of me and being unkind as a result, or little girls being jealous of my daughter and alienating her.

What's the most important lesson kids need to learn today about life, love, and the pursuit of happiness?

The most important lesson kids can learn is that we are all connected to each other on a soul level and we need to learn to love and care for our fellow man, no matter what! That our thoughts, words, and actions really do affect other people around us. That changing the world starts with a thought. That love really does conquer all.

What were your favorite books when you were a child?

The Giving Tree, Charlotte's Web, Winnie the Pooh, Alice in Wonderland, The Chronicles of Narnia, and The Secret Garden.