Deep in the Sahara ~ Picture Book & KID KANDY

Deep in the Sahara
Written by Kelly Cunnane
Illustrated by Hoda Hadadi
(Schwartz & Wade Books, 2013)

Do you ever wonder what it is like to live in the Sahara? How it feels to wear a malafa and keep covered from head to toe? To want to be like the grown-ups but you can't?

Deep in the Sahara is a book about a girl named Lalla who desperately admires older girls and women who are beautifully arrayed in colorful malafas. Lalla observes and talks to different members of her family to gain the true understanding of the purpose of a malafa as readers learn about life deep in the Sahara. And surprise, once she realizes all of the purposes of a malafa, her mother gives her one as blue as the Sahara sky.

Deep in the Sahara is a beautiful book for those who love to learn about other cultures and faiths. Readers will learn through both the story and the gorgeous illustrations.

KID KANDY:

Paint a Colorful Picture

Hoda Hadadi used bright colors in her illustrations of Deep in the Sahara. The results are peaceful, informative, heat-evocative drawings of life in a hot desert area.

Materials: thick paper, watercolor or acrylic paints, brushes, apron, pencils, erasers

1. Consider what you would like to paint.

2. Sketch an outline with a pencil. This will help you feel the scope of the paper and shape of what you are painting.

3. Choose your colors and paint your picture. You may have to let certain areas or colors dry before you can complete your painting.

4. Stand back. Did you forget anything? Want to add something?

5. Display your colorful artwork.

6. Do another painting.

Do you enjoy painting and art? Maybe one day you will grow up to become an illustrator or artist. Wouldn't that be fun?