Malaika’s Costume: 1 (The Malaika Series, 1) - Hardcover

USBBY's Outstanding International Books List
Américas Award Honorable Mention
School Library Journal Best Picture Books
A Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Book of the Year

"A wholly earned celebration." -- Kirkus Reviews

"A fun choice for libraries seeking books about creativity in general or the Caribbean in particular." -- School Library Journal

"Like a rainbow peacock itself, the illustrations in this book burst with a frenzy of colors and textures." -- Booklist Online

"The text is told in the colloquial voice of the little girl, and readers will quickly and easily feel a part of her circle. Carnival is an important holiday in many cultures, and it's good to have a picture book to celebrate it." -- Horn Book

"This is actually a realistic portrait of the consequences of global immigration and economics. But it's also the story of how much little girls love their moms. Beautiful." -- Globe and Mail

"Hohn employs a unique style of voice that is both figuratively and literaly lyrical." -- Canadian Children's Book News

"Malaika's Costume is a highly recommended story that celebrates the different cultures of the world and the emotional journey of a young child." -- CM Magazine

." . . an engaging, poignant story with exquisite taste and wonderful details." -- Kinderlit

It’s Carnival time. The first Carnival since Malaika’s mother moved away to find a good job and provide for Malaika and her grandmother. Her mother promised she would send money for a costume, but when the money doesn’t arrive, will Malaika still be able to dance in the parade?

Disappointed and upset at her grandmother’s hand-me-down costume, Malaika leaves the house, running into Ms. Chin, the tailor, who offers Malaika a bag of scrap fabric. With her grandmother’s help, Malaika creates a patchwork rainbow peacock costume, and dances proudly in the parade.

A heartwarming story about family, community and the celebration of Carnival, Nadia Hohn’s warm and colloquial language and Irene Luxbacher’s vibrant collage-style illustrations make this a strikingly original picture book.