John Steptoe

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale

John Steptoe

• 1988 CS King-Illustrator winner
• 1987 Horn Book-picture winner
• Score: 20.38

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.

Mother Crocodile: An Uncle Amadou Tale from Sengal

Rosa Guy, John Steptoe

• 1982 CS King-Illustrator winner
• Score: 10.32

Because Mother Crocodile tells stories of the past, the little crocodiles choose to believe she is crazy until almost too late they learn otherwise.