Deep in the Sahara

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 malafa, the 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 malafa is not just worn to show a woman´s beauty and mystery or to honor tradition--a malafa for faith--that 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.