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Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1987 · Est. 13 min read-aloud
Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters
By John Steptoe
Book #44 in the Reading Rainbow series
Two sisters vie for a king's heart, but only one can be queen. Who will he choose?
32 pages· 1,596 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
Bookroo's summary
In a land where beauty and worth are prized, Mufaro's daughters, Nyasha and Manyara, are summoned by the king seeking a bride. Nyasha's kindness contrasts with Manyara's ambition, setting the stage for a royal decision. As the sisters journey to the king, their true natures are revealed. Will the king see beyond appearances to choose the right queen? This tale, rich with African culture and moral lessons, explores themes of pride, virtue, and destiny. Discover who will win the king's heart and the crown in this timeless fable.
From the publisher
Mufaro was a happy man. Everyone agreed that his two daughters were very beautiful. Nyasha was kind and considerate as well as beautiful, but everyone – except Mufaro – knew that Manyara was selfish, badtempered, and spoiled. When the king decided to take a wife and invited “The Most Worthy and Beautiful Daughters in the Land” to appear before him, Mufaro declared proudly that only the king could choose between Nyasha and Manyara. Manyara, of course, didn’t agree, and set out to make certain that she would be chosen. John Steptoe has created a memorable modem fable of pride going before a fall, in keeping with the moral of the folktale that was his inspiration. He has illustrated it with stunning paintings that glow with the beauty, warmth, and internal vision of the land and people of his ancestors.
At a glance
- Format
- Pages
- 32
- Words
- 1,596
- Reading age
- 4–8
- Audience
- Picture
- Lexile
- AD790L
What readers & critics say
Reviews
4.8
out of 7
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The fine print
Book details
Reading levels
- ATOS
- 4.3
- F&P level
- ~S
- AR points
- 0.5
- AR interest level
- LG
- AR quiz
- 5030
Publication
- Published
- December 31, 2018
- First published
- January 1, 1987
- Publisher
- Lothrop Lee Shepard
Edition
- Language
- English
- Type
- Picture Book
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