Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters

In John Steptoe's children's book, Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, Mufaro is a villager in a land inspired by ancient Zimbabwe. His two daughters, Nyasha and Manyara are very different. Nyasha is kind. Manyara bullies her sister whenever she can get away with it.

When the great king calls for women worthy to become his wife, Mufaro sends both his daughters.

Manyara goes first. She encounters a hungry child and refuses to give food. She meets an old woman who offers her advice—but Manyara will not listen to her.

Nayasha comes second. She feeds the boy and…