Idia of the Benin Kingdom
written by Ekiuwa Aira, illustrated by Alina Shabelnyk
*Disclosure: I was gifted a copy of the book by MCBD Bronze Sponsor My Well Read Child. All opinions are my own.*
In the African Kingdom of Benin, little Idia is sleeping and dreaming of a woman fighting in a raging battle. Arrows fly all around her but the woman is protected by her magic charms. When the battle is over, she helps heal the wounded with her touch and her potion of herbs.
Idia wakes up wondering about her strange dream. She had heard heroic war tales before but these things don’t happen in her friendly and peaceful little kingdom.
“Who was that woman? Women do not go to war. What could the dream mean?”
Pondering these questions, Idia makes her way to the center of the village for the Igue festival, a day of food, music and dancing that is attended by the Oba (King). Idia performs beautifully in a special dance, making her parents very proud.
But she can’t get the dream of out her head, So Idia asks her father, a warrior, to teach her about war and battle plans, and her mother to share her knowledge of plants, healing and magic. In turn she promises her parents to always do all her chores well and to continue to practice her dancing.
Many years later, Idia performs in a dance for the new king and her energy and rhythm attract the king’s attention. He wants to marry her but Idia is unsure whether she should. After a ceremony with a special doctor, Idia falls into a deep sleep and dreams the same dream she had as a child. This time she understands clearly that the woman is herself fighting alongside her son and that she must marry the King to protect the people of the kingdom from enemies.
And this is how Idia became a queen, the first female warrior, and the first Iyoba (Queen Mother) of Benin.
Idia of the Benin Kingdom imagines the childhood of well-loved Queen Idia who supported her son, Esigie, during his reign (1504-1550) with her wisdom, bravery and charisma. With engaging text and vibrant illustrations, this picture book tells the story of a woman who did not conform to the expectations of a wife or a queen but dared to follow her own path. This empowering message will inspire young readers to believe in themselves and follow their dreams, too.
At the back, this #ownvoices book includes more information on Queen Ida and her legacy, a brief history of the Kingdom of Benin, and a map. Idia of the Benin Kingdom is suitable for children aged 4 to 8.
Also available: Idia of the Benin Kingdom: Coloring and Activity Book
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