Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

1987, Scholastic Books, Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Award

"Early one morning, a messenger from the city arrived. The Great King wanted a wife. "The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughters in the Land are invited to appear before the King, and he will choose one to become Queen!" the messanger proclaimed.

Mufaro called Manyara and Nyasha to him. "It would be a great honor to have on of you chosen," he said."

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John Steptoe

Steptoe (1950-1989) illustrated and wrote children's books focused on the African American experience. Although he published only 15 books before his death, he received numerous awards including two Caldecott Honors and two Coretta Scott King Awards. Following his death the American Library Association created the John Steptoe Award for New Talent to affirm excellence in writing and illustration.

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Book Synopsis

Mufaro's daughters were quite beautiful, but only one was worthy! Kind, hardworking, and generous Nyasha embraced Manyara even when her sister's selfishness hurt her feelings.

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Picture book, 32 pages. Based on an African folktale about two beautiful sisters, the illustrations were inspired by the ruins of an ancient city in Zimbabwe.

Learning Options

Family Read Aloud Time
Wow - this is one of the more beautiful books reviewed this month! Inspired by an African folktale, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is a warm, uplifting family read aloud about kindness and generosity of spirit.

Classroom Resource
The Literature Guide at Learning to Give is superb providing discussion questions and activities about generosity, community and service to others.

Learning at Home
The Described and Captioned Media Program offers free, accessible educational media for students with sensory disabilities. Their Learning Guide for Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters is exceptional.

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