THE LITTLE REGENT

The law made her the head of her small West African village, but only her ability to watch and listen will make this little girl a leader.

Abioye is 8 years old when her father, the king of her village, dies and she must assume the role of the regent, an interim ruler appointed, per Yoruba tradition, when there is no male heir. Grieving her father and seeking counsel from her mother, Abioye must face detractors who question her ability to rule because of her inexperience and her age. Initially, she even doubts herself. Bright, full-color illustrations show a lively village bustling with activity in celebration of their new leader, even as Abioye herself is somber as she feels the weight of her newfound responsibilities bear down on her and reflects on her late father’s approach to leadership. Her loving and supportive mother advises her to follow in her father’s footsteps of service-minded rule: “Start by watching and listening.” With this, Abioye considers the needs of the cooks, the fishers, the children, and all the villagers beyond the palace walls, which frustrates her chief critics but wins her the overwhelming support of the village, ultimately making her interim role a permanent one. She becomes the first girl to hold the position of king. This empowering, well-paced tale concludes with a hopeful author’s note that provides greater context about Yoruba culture.

A subtly radical education on service and leadership.