Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe

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This Caldecott Award winning book is inspired by a traditional African folktale that is a classic Cinderella story. It also introduces children to the history and culture of Zimbabwe. [1]

Summary

Mufaro's two daughters react in different ways to the King's search for a wife - one is aggressive and selfish, the other kind and dignified. The king disguises himself to learn the true nature of both the girls and chooses Nyasha, the kind and generous daughter, to be the queen. [2]

Inspired by a traditional African folktale, the story is about Mufaro, who is proud of his two beautiful daughters. Nyasha is kind and considerate, but everyone—except Mufaro—knows that Manyara is selfish and bad-tempered.

When the Great King decides to get a wife and invites the most worthy and pretty daughters in the land to appear before him, Mufaro brings both of his daughters—but only one can be queen. Who will be the queen? [3] 

Pros

Jayne gave some positive feedback about this book. This book convey action, contemplation, confrontation, happiness and even kindness. It has pour over gorgeous pictures. Like all fairy/folk stories, there’s a message to be learned and here it’s about a person’s inner character and worthiness as opposed to just outer looks. John Steptoe died far too young and the reader can only imagine what he might have achieved. But check this book out to discover part of the illustrated legacy he left behind. [4]

This is a fabulous tale, full of magic, wonder, kindness, grace and even greed and jealousy. The illustrations are marvelous and really enhance the story. [5] 

References