This is a situation that we see sometimes in fiction - a child or someone else unexpected and atypical suddenly thrown into a leadership position. Usually it's played for laughs but ultimately comes to the conclusion that the unconventional leadership style is to everyone's benefit. That is somewhat the situation here, but in larger part our protagonist is following the example of her father. She leads with compassion, recognizing problems and finding practical ways to help. That's the strongest benefit of this book. It teaches children how to lead by example, how to affect practical change. With charming, dynamic illustrations that use rich colors this is a book worth reading.

Abioye is only eight years old when her father, the king, suddenly dies. As per Yoruba tradition, if the king dies without a son to take his place, his daughter will rule as regent for three months, until the village chiefs can select three men to nominate for kinghood. The villagers will vote on these nominees and select a new leader from among them.

Even with the power of kingmaking in their hands, the chiefs aren't thrilled at being led, even if only for a short while, by such a young girl. In all honesty, Abioye isn't herself sure about what she's supposed to do now. Serious and responsible, she wants to be a good leader, but isn't sure how. Her mother reminds her of her father's philosophy: Those who will rule must first learn to serve.

And so Abioye applies herself to watching and listening, so that she can learn how best to serve her people. She quickly discovers that merely sitting in on palace meetings with the chiefs feels less useful than bureaucratic, as they talk about taxes, treaties and other subjects that go over her head. So she begins spending time with her subjects, listening to their concerns and learning what it is they need in order to make their daily lives better. Gradually, she implements improvements that make her subjects happier and more prosperous.

Unsurprisingly, this does not make her any friends among the village chiefs, especially when she overrides their opinions to get the villagers what they need. When the chiefs decide to force her out of her position, will she be able to continue to serve her people?

As thoughtful as Abioye herself, this book is an outstanding look at leadership and responsibility. As it's aimed at children, there are definitely subjects that are elided (taxes and treaties are important after all!) but overall, the core lessons of humility, listening and acting with purpose are very valuable leadership lessons for the youth. Heck, they're valuable lessons for anyone with an interest in assuming a leadership position. I did think there was a missed opportunity at the end to further underscore how laws should originate from the governed, given the emphasis near the beginning on the rule of law, but appreciate very much the lessons that this book does impart.

Another one of those lessons is on the importance of feminism, as Abioye is discriminated against not only because of her youth but also because of her sex. Her detractors wish to ignore her good ideas simply because of who she is. As this is a children's book, she ultimately overcomes the naysayers, an inspiring achievement which author Yewande Daniel-Ayoade likens to the accomplishments of actual women in Yoruba history.

Illustrating all this is the bright, evocative art of Ken Daley. His aren't the most sophisticated of children's illustrations, tho his work definitely captures the vibrancy of Yoruba village life and culture. His colorwork is especially arresting, with blues subtly dominating the palette in a way that reflects the seriousness of the story, counterbalancing the reds and yellows that infuse warmth and emotion throughout.

This is a great addition to any child's library, especially when it comes to inculcating not only lessons in leadership, but also in the folly of discrimination. Super bonus points for highlighting a traditional African culture in the process.

The Little Regent by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade & Ken Daley was published March 12 2024 by Owlkids and is available from all good booksellers, including <a href="https://bookshop.org/a/15382/9781771475624">Bookshop!</a>

When a Yoruba king dies without a male heir the female child is made a regent until such a time as a new king candidate is found. While Abiyoe is small, she is wise. She remembers the advice of her father and proves to be an observant problem solver.

No task is too big when you trust in yourself! A sneak peek at The Little Regent - a celebration of Yoruban royal customs just in time for Black History Month.

Abioye has a big job of replacing her father - the king of her village. When she taps into her true purpose, no one can doubt her. This book is really special, with dazzling illustrations!

When the King dies, his eight year old daughter Abioye becomes the regent, ruling umtil a man is chosen
to be king. Her father always said that in order to rule, one must learn to serve. In order to do that,
she must watch and listen. By doing so, despite her young age, she is able to solve issues the villagers
are having. The people are so happy with her as the regent and want her to become the new king. They
change the law to make it happen.
Inspiring story about facing challenges and not allowing one's gender stand in the way.
#TheLittleRegent #NetGalley

In a culture where leadership is traditionally passed from father to son, the king of a small village dies with no male heir. While a new king is found and voted upon, his eight-year-old daughter shall act as regent while a new king is selected, as is custom.

The Little Regent is a cute little story about the impact of understanding the needs of the world and how, “those who will rule must first learn to serve,” as her mother and her father the king put it.

I loved the color and style of the artwork. The details of her community’s problems and the way she was able to help resolve them held my attention. Overall, a great story about a tenacious young girl upending a patriarchal tradition.

I will say, while I like the upbeat nature of the story, I’m a little skeptical that the kingmakers and men of the village would allow an 8yo girl to lead them instead of selecting an adult to be their new king. That said, I don’t know if in this culture, an 8yo son would have been made king and guided as ruler into his adulthood. That detail would have added useful context to the story.

I read this picture book to my friend’s four-year-old, and she enjoyed imagining what it would be like if she were king. Some of the messaging was lost to her, but I think this is a book she would return to as she grew older. This book may be targeted at a slightly older population, maybe 1st-3rd grades.

I accessed this ebook as a digital review copy through NetGalley.

"Those who will rule must first learn to serve."

When the king of a West African village dies, his eight-year-old daughter, Abioye, is made the temporary ruler, or a regent, until a new king is chosen.
The story continues as despite how the chiefs don't like the idea of having Abioye as their new ruler (as their culture and custom chose the ruler's male heir as the successor), Abioye chooses to follow her father's wisdom - "those who will rule must learn to serve first."
This is an empowering children's book that explores the elements of gender equality and the power of leadership.
Special thank you for NetGalley, the publisher and the author Daniel - Ayoade for providing me with the opportunity toto review in advance.

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Readers are transported to this area of West Africa with the Yoruba tribe after their king has died. The author explains their tradition through the storyline of female children becoming regents not kings. Abioye is the only child of the king who passed away so she becomes the regent. The chiefs protest but are silenced by the rules. Abioye is only eight and still deep in grief when she assumes the throne. She observes the meetings and then observes and listens in the village. With her new powers, she makes some changes to benefit those who live there. These changes make lives better but are met with protests from the chiefs. In this fiction account, she is elected king after the vote. This is a powerful statement by the author on hoped for changes for the Yoruba tribes. The artwork is lovely and detailed. Readers can study it and see something new every time. Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end for more information. Definitely one for library shelves.

The Little Regent (Hardcover)
by Yewande Daniel-Ayoade
Yudura tribe have a traditional succession. But when the kings dies and has only daughters she becomes regent until a new king is chosen. This book shows not only the history of Nigeria but the hope for the future.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids Books for this ARC in exhcange for an honest review**

Eight-year-old Princess Abioye's father has just died, and as tradition goes in the Yoruba tribe, she is to rule temporarily until a new king is chosen. However, some of the villagers object to this for various reasons, among them being her age. She herself even questions this, but her mother reminds her of what her father would always say: "Those who will rule must first learn to serve." Her mom tells her how she can do that. Abioye walks around her village and overhears the grievances of the people, thinks about how she can help, and puts her plans into action.

This book empowers girls by showing them that just because they are female or young doesn't mean that they can't have an impact. It is always good to serve others, and they can do so by giving donations or volunteering, for example. Always be kind, compassionate, and considerate because you never know what others are going through.

This was a cute story about the true meaning of leadership. Children will find Abioye's experiences both entertaining and inspiring. The artwork is quite beautiful. I'd definitely recommend it to parents and teachers looking for a story kids will enjoy that also has a good message.

This was such a nice story. I loved the colors and illustrations. Abioye was a sweet little girl who wanted to help her people and be a great leader like her father.