Yewande Daniel-Ayoade is the author of the children's picture book The Little Regent. Her other books include What's the Worst That Could Happen?. She lives in Calgary, Alberta.
Q: The Quill & Quire review of the book says, “The Little Regent speaks to the importance of leading through compassion and understanding, and learning to value tradition while making space for necessary change.” What do you think of that description?
A: The first part really resonates with me because I think it's important for kids to know that good leadership is not always what is portrayed in the media today. That leaders should have empathy, and that leadership is really a call to service.
The second part resonates because I am hoping my book challenges those from my culture to treat tradition as something that can evolve over time as society changes. As such, I look forward to the day when women are not just regents but rulers in their own right.
Q: What do you think Ken Daley’s illustrations add to the book?
A: Ken did an incredible job representing the Yoruba culture in this book. The illustrations serve as a great introduction to the culture Abioye is from and the colorful palette really draws the eye.
I also love how much detail Ken has put into the drawings. It's sure to bring kids back over and over again.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: My next picture book is called Jollof War and is coming out in fall of 2026. I also have another book coming out in 2027.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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