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. 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 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. An authors note and glossary are included in the back of the book.