Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale

by John Steptoe (Author) John Steptoe (Illustrator)

Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade

Mufaro's two beautiful daughters, one bad-tempered, one kind and sweet, go before the king, who is choosing a wife.

Mufaro was a happy man. Everyone agreed that his two daughters were very beautiful. Nyasha was kind of considerate as well as beautiful, but everyone - except Mufaro - knew that Manyara was selfish, bad-tempered, and spoiled.

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School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 3 - An African villager named Mufaro had two daughters whom everyone agreed were beautiful. However, their dispositions were not alike: Manyara had a bad temper and was selfish (although not in front of Mufaro); Nyasha was always kind and considerate both to people and to animals. When Mufaro receives word that the Great King is inviting all of the most worthy and beautiful women to appear before him so that he might choose a wife, Mufaro decides that both of his daughters should go. Manyara, believing herself more worthy and beautiful than her sister, sets out alone so that she can be presented to the king before her sister. What happens to each girl along the way depends on her response to the strange people whom she encounters. This folktale shows the traditional qualities, characterizations, and predictability. It is distinguished, however, by its colorful ink and watercolor illustrations of the costumes, artifacts, flora, and fauna of the Zimbabwe region. The expressive drawings of people and events enhance the story and serve to strengthen readers' familiarity with traditional African culture. A magnificently illustrated book, filled with rich textures and vibrant color, and a story that will satisfy young romantics as well as those with a strong sense of justice. Helen E. Williams, University of Maryland, College Park

Copyright 1987 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Kirkus

Starred Review

A beautiful book, deserving a permanent place in library collections.

Classification
Fiction
ISBN-13
9780688040451
Lexile Measure
790
Guided Reading Level
N
Publisher
Amistad Books for Young Readers
Publication date
December 31, 2018
Series
-
BISAC categories
JUV022000 - Juvenile Fiction | Legends, Myths, & Fables | General
JUV030010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | Africa
Library of Congress categories
Fairy tales
Picture books for children
Africa
Caldecott Medal
Honor Book 1988 - 1988
Boston Globe-Horn Book Awards
Winner 1987 - 1987

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