THE GLOBAL RELEASE OF MADONNA'S FIRST
CHILDREN'S BOOK MAKES PUBLISHING HISTORY

NEW YORK, September 15, 2003. For Immediate Release . . . Callaway Editions is pleased to announce that Madonna’s first children’s book, The English Roses, will be released simultaneously worldwide on Monday, September 15. The English Roses is a story of rivalry and friendship among schoolgirls in contemporary London. The book, for readers aged six and up, is a 48-page, jacketed hardcover filled with whimsical, colorful illustrations by renowned fashion artist, Jeffrey Fulvimari.

By virtue of its global release, The English Roses already secures its place in publishing history. It is being released today with a strict on-sale time of 8 a.m. GMT in 30 languages in more than 100 countries. Callaway Editions, headquartered in New York, is the originating
publisher and has licensed book rights through The Wylie Agency of New York and London to 32 distinguished houses, including Gallimard Jeunesse in France, Hanser Verlag in Germany, and Feltrinelli Editore in Italy. In the United States, the title will be published by Callaway Editions and distributed by Penguin Group (USA). In all other English language markets, it will be published by Puffin, the children’s imprint of Penguin Group (UK).

Callaway Editions, founded in 1980 by Nicholas Callaway, is best known for its hugely successful Miss Spider™ book series. The firm specializes in family entertainment across all media—book publishing, 3-D computer animation for film and television, and product design.

The English Roses tells the story of four little girls—Nicole, Amy, Charlotte, and Grace—who are eleven years old and the very best of friends. “They are practically glued to each other at the hip,” writes Madonna in her book, and they are all “a little bit jealous of another girl in the neighborhood”—a beautiful girl named Binah, 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.

Madonna drew on her own experiences while writing this book. “As a child, I experienced jealousy and envy toward other girls for any number of reasons: I was jealous they had mothers, jealous they were prettier and richer,” she says. “It isn’t until you grow up that you realize what a waste of time those feelings are.”

Publisher Nicholas Callaway says, “I believe The English Roses and the four books to follow are destined to become contemporary classics. They are surprisingly traditional, in the best sense. The stories are delightful, the art is exquisite, and the characters are endearing. Madonna has brilliantly captured the playful spirit of girls together with their friends. All five books convey important and encouraging messages for children of all ages—even grown-up ones.”

“It has been a great partnership working with Madonna on this project,” he continues. “She is a creative engine with an unerring eye and an absolutely clear idea of the finished work. I see how she has achieved her incomparable success: she has earned it—every day.”

Callaway adds, “Jeffrey Fulvimari—in this, his first book—has perfectly complemented Madonna’s story with a visual narrative that is stylish, timeless, and enchanting to children.”

The highest production standards mark the creation of The English Roses, which features premium paper, state-of-the-art digital prepress and printing, and a matte-laminated jacket with a shiny “lip gloss” effect. Collectible first edition copies are enclosed in an eye-popping, polka-dotted slipcase and are available in limited quantities.

The English Roses is the first of five children’s books by Madonna, each set in a different time and place, featuring a new cast of characters brought to life by celebrated illustrators from around the world.

THE SECOND BOOK, MR. PEABODY’S APPLES,
WILL BE RELEASED WORLDWIDE ON NOVEMBER 10, 2003.

For more information, please contact:

Lindsay DiLorenzo, (212) 843-8025
Rubenstein Associates for Callaway Editions.
ldilorenzo@rubenstein.com

Andy Shearer, (212) 843-8061
Rubenstein Associates for Callaway Editions.
ashearer@rubenstein.com

Marilyn Ducksworth, (212) 366-2564
Penguin Group (USA)
marilyn.ducksworth@us.penguingroup.com

Joanna Prior, 011 44 020 7010 3250
Penguin Group (UK).
joanna.prior@penguin.co.uk