"Poetic language, attractive illustrations and a positive message about Islam, without any didacticism: a wonderful combination," declares Kirkus Reviews in a starred review.
Lalla lives in the Muslim country of Mauritania, and more than anything, she wants to wear a┬аmalafa,┬аthe colorful cloth Mauritanian women, like her mama and big sister, wear to cover their heads and clothes in public. But it is not until Lalla realizes that a┬аmalafa┬аis not just worn to show a woman's beauty and mystery or to honor traditionтАФa┬аmalafa┬аfor faithтАФthat Lalla's mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lalla's head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray.
An author's note and glossary are included in the back of the book.