In recent years, Madonna has become a very successful author. On September 15, 2003, she released her first (of five) children's books, The English Roses, and it instantly became the biggest and fastest selling book ever by a first-time children's author. The book debuted at #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List for children's picture books, and also received the widest launch in publication history as it was released in over 100 counties on the same day; it also debuted in 30 languages. It is now available in 40 languages and in more than 110 countries world wide.
Her series of books may very well mark the existence for the first time of kabbalist children's books. All of the books strive to teach lessons the author has learned in her study of this branch of Jewish mysticism. For example, in 'The English Roses', her lead character's name, Binah (who is loosely modelled on her daughter), comes from the word Kabbalists use for 'Understanding'.Madonna's subsequent releases, Mr. Peabody's Apples and Yakov and the Seven Thieves, were both released within a year of The English Roses and also debuted at #1 on the New York Times list and became international best sellers. Combined, Madonna's first three children's books have sold over 1.5 million copies world wide.
Callaway Arts & Entertainment is currently releasing Madonna's next book, The Adventures of Abdi, and her latest book, Lotsa de Casha, is scheduled for release in April 2005. Also an adaptation for the big screen of her book 'The English Roses' is scheduled for release in 2006.
Trivia
- Madonna is commonly referred to as the 'Queen of Pop'.
- Her confirmation name was Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone.
- One anagram of the letters in 'Madonna Louise Ciccone' is 'occasional nude income'.
- Brother Christopher Ciccone is an interior designer to the stars. He was also heavily involved in the staging of Madonna's 1990 ('Blond Ambition') and 1993 ('The Girlie Show') world tours and appears in the 'Blond Ambition' tour documentary Truth or Dare. She dedicated her first greatest hits collection The Immaculate Collection to 'the Pope, my divine inspiration'. This was a reference to her brother, whose nickname is also 'Pope'. He designed the furniture in former President Bill Clinton's Harlem office.
- Is distantly related to Canadian superstar Céline Dion.
- Her own record label, Maverick Records, was responsible for the success of such stars as Alanis Morissette, Deftones, Me'shell Ndegeocello and Michelle Branch.
- Performed with the Alvin Ailey dance troupe.
- Has been condemned by the Puerto Rican House of Representatives for pulling a Puerto Rican flag between her legs.
- Was offered Meryl Streep's role in Music of the Heart, Michelle Pfeiffer's role in The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Sharon Stone's role in Casino but turned them down; they were all nominated for Oscars for these roles.
- Has an IQ of 140.
- Designer Stella McCartney, daughter of Paul and Linda, was Matron of Honor at Madonna's second wedding. Actress Gwyneth Paltrow was apparently the first choice but decided against it.
- Revealed that Sean Penn was the greatest love of her life in the documentary Truth or Dare.
- Her father, Silvio (aka Tony), operates the award-winning Ciccone Vineyard & Winery in Suttons Bay, Michigan, her native state.
- On MTV's hit show Celebrity Deathmatch Madonna fought (and defeated) Michael Jackson in a battle royale between the 'King and Queen of Pop'.