Kelly Cunnane

reviewed

This is an unusual perspective, telling the story of a normal day in a Kenyan village in the second person. The little boy forgets his chore of watching Grandfather's cows to run about the village saying goodmorning to everyone, the village baker, the chief, his grandmother. It is charming and bright and playful, using bright colors and interesting size perspectives to give it a bit of a surreal feel, but in a good way. I like the way the whole village is close and friendly.

This beautifully illustrated picture book describes a young Mauritanian girl’s desire to wear a malafa, a colorful cloth worn over the head and body, just as her mother and other women in her life do. A refreshingly positive view of this oftenmaligned Muslim apparel.