Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

by John Steptol

*Caldecott Honor Book

Summary

A man named Mufaro lived in Africa and had two daughters, Manyara and Nyasha. Manyara had a bad attitude, and insisted that Nyasha's kindness was a weakness and that she, Manyara, would become queen. Nyasha enjoyed gardening, and she made friends with a small snake, singing to him. One day a decree came that the King wanted a wife, and Mufaro sent both of his daughters in order to let him choose between them, as they were both equally beautiful. On the way, Manyara ran into a young hungry boy, an old woman, and a man with his head tucked beneath his arm. Manyara ignored them, scoffing at them in her hurry to get to the palace, but Nyasha, when she passed by, tended to all of their needs. Upon reaching the castle, Nyasha ran into Manyara, who urged her not to go into the king, as he knew all of her faults and said that she had displeased him. However, when Nyasha entered the room, her small garden snake sat there and transformed into the king before her eyes. He asked to marry her, as he was disguised as all of the things in the woods that the girls ran into, and he knew her to be beautiful inside and out.

Discussion

This African fable reaches out to the African American community as well as any girls with older siblings, or siblings who may pick on them. This book tells children that politeness, sharing, and gentle demeanors are rewarded whereas wickedness is not. It does not specifically imply that wickedness is punished, but it makes sure to show that Manyara is the servant in the household when Nyasha is queen, though Manyara had predicted it would be the opposite in the beginning. The full bleed illustrations make for a rich reading experience. This book is much better as a read aloud or a silent read for first or second graders, as the text is smaller and the words are a bit more difficult. The concept of the book is simple enough for children to understand, but the idea of the transforming king may have to be explained.

Application

This book could be introduced during a study on family, or a study of other cultures fables. The transformation of the king could be used to explain fantasy and magic in a broad sense to younger children. Also, if children are already familiar with this genre, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is wonderful for explaining kindness to children, whether at the beginning of the year, or as a reminder that kindness is rewarded.

Steptoe, J. (2003). Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale. Pueblo: Live Oak Media.