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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
Alternate title: Morality for Beautiful Girls (which I think is a actually a McCall-Smith title)
This is one of my favorite children's books, and not just because of the amazing pictures! IT's got a great moral--be kind.
Beautiful illustrations. This is an African Tale closely based on the story of Cinderella. Great theme in the topic!
Caldecott Honor 1988
Beautiful pictures and amusing Cinderella like tale.
Beautiful pictures and amusing Cinderella like tale.
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Favorite story as a child. Very memorable and beautiful artwork. Teaches a lesson but not in an overbearing way.
Steptoe’s Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters strikes me as less reliant on illustration than many of the other picture books on our required reading list, or even as “picture books” were defined by Marsha Chall and Claire during their lecture at the Jan’15 residency. While the art is beautiful, Steptoe’s text stands without it and tells a complete and rich story. Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters is a retelling of an African folktale—I can’t find details more specific than “African,” unfortunately—but like most folktales, many of its tropes are present in folk- and fairytales from around the world and many points in history, which allows access for small children of any background and fosters discussion about similarities between peoples as well as about the theme and plot points themselves.
Phenomenal. Absolutely stunning. The story was excellently told and had a fantastic moral, but the artwork really elevated this to being a masterpiece through and through.
An African folk-retelling formed around the Cinderella trope, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters tells the story of two young women who are to vie for the affections of their King who seeks a wife. Whilst both sisters are loved by the community, Manyara sees herself a victim and bitter jealousy sinks in. She attempts to ostricise her better-natured sister from her father and the others in the hope of being chosen to be queen. Set a task by powers beyond their understanding or knowledge, both sisters' true natures eventually reveal themselves.
I found Steptoe's illustrations to be beautiful. Inspired by Zimbabwain ruins and local flora and fauna of the region, in wanting to present as accurately as possible, he asked for guidance from the Afro-American Institute. As authentic as it (possibly) was, it was interesting to see a review from the great Errol Lloyd which was not as flattering as I would have expected, calling out on the romanticised depiction of Africa.
I found Steptoe's illustrations to be beautiful. Inspired by Zimbabwain ruins and local flora and fauna of the region, in wanting to present as accurately as possible, he asked for guidance from the Afro-American Institute. As authentic as it (possibly) was, it was interesting to see a review from the great Errol Lloyd which was not as flattering as I would have expected, calling out on the romanticised depiction of Africa.
This is a great lesson on inner beauty and being kind.
This book works well for lessons on theme and character traits.
This book works well for lessons on theme and character traits.