Layla's Head Scarf (We Love First Grade!)

Summary of Book

Miriam Cohen s timely story highlights a challenge that many children face in today s multicultural environment. Layla, a new girl in first grade, wears a headscarf but it does not take long for the others to welcome her. Ronald Himler s watercolor illustrations give the first graders distinct characteristics and provide a realistic portrayal of a first grade classroom. (Part of the We Love First Grade Series)

Author Biography

Miriam Cohen is an avid champion of the emotional rights of children, and is interested in their "immense vulnerability, and their need to be nurtured, encouraged, and allowed to unfold naturally." She has spent many hours in classrooms reading, listening, and talking with children 'not as a lecturer, but as a fellow writer.' The time she has spent in the company of children is one reason why her books ring true, and why young readers hear themselves in the voices of her characters.

Illustrator Biography

Ronald Himler has illustrated many fine books for children, including "The Log Cabin Quilt" by Ellen Howard, winner of the Christopher Award; and "Fly Away Home" and "The Wall," both by Eve Bunting and both American Library Association Notable Books for Children and "School Library Journal" Best Books of the Year. He lives in Tucson, Arizona.