An Arab girl of the Sahara who wants to wear a malafa, the veiled dress worn by her mother and older sister, learns that the garment represents beauty, mystery, tradition, belonging, and faith. Full color. nPoetic language, attractive illustrations and a positive message about Islam, without any didacticism: a wonderful combination, declares Kirkus Reviews in a starred review. nLalla 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 womans beauty and mystery or to honor tradition--a malafa for faith--that Lallas mother agrees to slip a long cloth as blue as the ink in the Koran over Lallas head, under her arm, and round and round her body. Then together, they pray. n nAn authors note and glossary are included in the back of the book.n