Hi there, Booktomato family! Where we live, we are entering into the second to last weekend of summer! This Sunday is the last Sunday that isn't a school night. I feel bittersweet about it every year. I am ready for the season to change from muggy Summer to crisp Autumn. I am ready for pumpkin flavored everything and sweaters. I am ready to see all of our school friends again. I am not ready for my now-fourth-grader's homework to start streaming in. I am not ready for a week that whizzes by so fast that we have to fight for family time. In every season, turn, turn, ya know?
Today's book pick is one I remember watching on a Reading Rainbow episode when I was little, and when I found it again at a book store, I remembered just how much I loved it!
This marvelously illustrated book is based on the Cinderella story, and while it isn't a traditional African tale, the setting and characters are inspired by a trip the author took to Zimbabwe. Mufaro is a happy and prosperous man with two beautiful daughters - Manyara, pretty on the outside, but selfish and impatient on the inside, and Nyasha, beautiful, kind, and loving on the inside and out.
The Prince announces that he is looking for a wife. When both girls decide to travel to the big city to try and become the Princess, Manyara's true colors serve her poorly while Nyasha is rewarded for her kindness. This tale has a good amount of magic and unique twists that keep it from being a straight forward Cinderella story and make it more interesting.
Storytime Conversations:
- What picture in this book is your favorite? I liked the picture of . . .
- Why was Nyasha rewarded in the story?
- Why was Manyara punished in the story?
- How can we act more like Nyasha throughout the day?
- What fairy tale does this story remind you of?