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Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba
Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba is the true story of a girl who had a difficult birth but went on to become the Queen of two ancient African kingdoms.
Revered for her wisdom, courage, and strength, Njinga became a dominant political figure in Angola in the 1600s. This richly illustrated children’s book tells her story and the challenges she faced from the day she was born. Njinga must overcome the jealousy of her brother, the loss of her father, and the encroachment of the Portuguese at the dawn of a time of great trial for the African continent.
This is the story of hope and courage that shows every young girl is capable of greatness
★ The Story of an Actual Legendary Queen
Queen Njinga is remembered for defying the odds and standing up for herself and her people.
★ A Narrative That Empowers and Motivates
Njinga's story is inspiring because she is an outstanding example of female governance in the history of Africa.
★ An Author with Passion for African History
Born and raised in Nigeria, Ekiuwa Aire hopes that her books on African history will instill pride and acceptance in young minds about diverse cultures.
★ Beautiful, Vibrant Illustrations
Natalia Popova studied at Moscow State University where her interest in visual arts and illustration was born.
★ Exciting Historical Facts
Based on true events in Angola in the 1600s, the story of Queen Njinga is beautifully illustrated and presented in a way every child will enjoy and learn from. The book also includes a brief history of the Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, where they were located on a map, as well as information on Queen Njinga's legacy.
Revered for her wisdom, courage, and strength, Njinga became a dominant political figure in Angola in the 1600s. This richly illustrated children’s book tells her story and the challenges she faced from the day she was born. Njinga must overcome the jealousy of her brother, the loss of her father, and the encroachment of the Portuguese at the dawn of a time of great trial for the African continent.
This is the story of hope and courage that shows every young girl is capable of greatness
★ The Story of an Actual Legendary Queen
Queen Njinga is remembered for defying the odds and standing up for herself and her people.
★ A Narrative That Empowers and Motivates
Njinga's story is inspiring because she is an outstanding example of female governance in the history of Africa.
★ An Author with Passion for African History
Born and raised in Nigeria, Ekiuwa Aire hopes that her books on African history will instill pride and acceptance in young minds about diverse cultures.
★ Beautiful, Vibrant Illustrations
Natalia Popova studied at Moscow State University where her interest in visual arts and illustration was born.
★ Exciting Historical Facts
Based on true events in Angola in the 1600s, the story of Queen Njinga is beautifully illustrated and presented in a way every child will enjoy and learn from. The book also includes a brief history of the Kingdoms of Ndongo and Matamba, where they were located on a map, as well as information on Queen Njinga's legacy.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published January 4, 2021
14 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Ekiuwa Aire
30 books16 followersEkiuwa Aire was born and raised in Benin City, Edo, Nigeria. Ekiuwa’s passion for African history emerged when she left Nigeria for Canada in 2007. When she became a mother, Ekiuwa realized that there were not a lot of resources to introduce African history to her young children. She wanted her kids (and other kids) to develop an appreciation for African history and to value the wisdom and pride that will come from this knowledge. This desire spurred her to write her first picture book about Queen Idia, Idia of the Benin Kingdom.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
July 4, 2021
Excellent story!
Njinga of Neon go and Matamba
By Ekiuwa Aire
What a great story about an amazing person. A good role model for young girls. Excellent art and informative details about the era, peoples, events, and Njinga! In the back of the book has more detailed facts that aren't in the main part of the story along with maps, and a much needed guide to pronouncing these words! Lol!
Njinga of Neon go and Matamba
By Ekiuwa Aire
What a great story about an amazing person. A good role model for young girls. Excellent art and informative details about the era, peoples, events, and Njinga! In the back of the book has more detailed facts that aren't in the main part of the story along with maps, and a much needed guide to pronouncing these words! Lol!
February 28, 2023
Njinga struggled to live when she was first born, and she had to face the enmity of her brother and others who tried to deny her opportunities to lead simply because she was a girl.
She nevertheless did become the ruler of her kingdom, and she led her people well.
The true story of a strong woman leader in Africa. Inspiring. Beautifully illustrated.
She nevertheless did become the ruler of her kingdom, and she led her people well.
The true story of a strong woman leader in Africa. Inspiring. Beautifully illustrated.
May 15, 2021
This was quite good. Aire presents a child friendly history of Queen Njinga. The book includes history and language notes at the end. It really is quite a wonderful work. Highly recommended. (also check out her Idia of the Benin Kingdom: An empowering book for girls ages 4-8.
November 3, 2021
Fabulous book with wonderful illustrations! I am so happy that books about African girls are being written!
April 26, 2021
This book was a wonderful way to share history that isn't often talked about in Western schools. I personally learnt a lot and the resources at the end of the book are a fantastic way to explore her history in more depth with children. I really admire that it doesn't shy away from heavier topics and it writes them in a way that allows adults to have conversations with children about what it means. Well done, and fantastic art!
May 1, 2021
Wonderful! The powerful true story of Queen Njinga of modern-day Angola. A great storyline, good illustrations, and biographical facts listed at the end of the book. 👑🎉
August 8, 2021
Ndongo Kingdom. Ngola Mbandi Kiluanji ruled the Kimbundu tribe.
Angola. A baby was born.
The umbilical was wrapped around her neck causing her to have breathing problems.
Mbandi gave her mouth/mouth resuscitation.
The girl was named Njinga Mbandi.
Mbandi later was made a King. He passed away in 1617.
Dom João Correia de Sousa (Portuguese government) added more rules/regulations.
Matamba. Njinga knew she had to move from the Njinga.
What happened to her then?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (elementary; MS age) Angola storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s educational presentation (historical), movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); Our Ancestories; 1st edition; BookZio; ReadingDeals; BookBub; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Angola. A baby was born.
The umbilical was wrapped around her neck causing her to have breathing problems.
Mbandi gave her mouth/mouth resuscitation.
The girl was named Njinga Mbandi.
Mbandi later was made a King. He passed away in 1617.
Dom João Correia de Sousa (Portuguese government) added more rules/regulations.
Matamba. Njinga knew she had to move from the Njinga.
What happened to her then?
I do not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing free books from publishers & authors. Therefore, I am under no obligation to write a positive review, only an honest one.
An awesome book cover, great hand-drawn colored pictures, charming illustrations & proper font & writing style. A very professionally written children’s (elementary; MS age) Angola storybook. It was quite easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters, settings, etc. to keep track of. This could also make another great children’s educational presentation (historical), movie, an animated cartoon, or better yet a mini-TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is an extremely easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free author(s); Our Ancestories; 1st edition; BookZio; ReadingDeals; BookBub; Amazon Digital Services LLC. Kindle Mobi; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
July 9, 2021
i wanna give this book a 5 stars ...but i read it through KU which makes the text and pics (illustrations) so so tiny. so sad. i would recommend reading in a hand held book instead of kindle. such great illustrations u need it on your book shelf, so giftable and should be read in your hand not on a kindle, hope this make sense, i have noticed this is a issue when reading through KU but i can not find any one who is knowledgeable as to why this happens, i have noticed this throughout but not in all books that i am reading?? if any one can tell me why i would appreciate it. because it does not happen in each read. as a kid i watched "Reading Rainbow" and the little kids always did recommend books to read, i just loved that part. so i love finding book that others should read and i wanna share that, so i find it a goal to search them out, tell others, i wish there was something else to do beside KU, meaning the sizing doesn't always work for these books??! as a kid i always went to the library, but wonder if parents have the ability to do that for their kids, but each program here on Amazon is another fee??! u have to pick and choose. any who.... read through KU ... which makes the illustrations and text super tiny ... sitting in the middle of the kindle fire. wish there was a way to make larger?
July 3, 2021
Very interesting history lesson!
This was a very approachable history lesson of someone I knew nothing about, but about whom I would love to know much more!
Trigger warning....if you have sensitive children please know that this book begins with the story of her birth and includes that she was born with the cord wrapped around her neck and not breathing. It is not graphic, but I have very sensitive kids who were uncomfortable. It is quickly resolved and she lives because her father basically gave her CPR and breathed for her, creating the basis for the strength he attributes to her and leads to his special treatment of his daughter (sending her to school and setting her up to be a leader). It also mentions her brother's death, but with no details.
This was a great history lesson for me and my kids. I really appreciate that it was written for young children to understand (I have kids aged 7, 8, 10).
This was a very approachable history lesson of someone I knew nothing about, but about whom I would love to know much more!
Trigger warning....if you have sensitive children please know that this book begins with the story of her birth and includes that she was born with the cord wrapped around her neck and not breathing. It is not graphic, but I have very sensitive kids who were uncomfortable. It is quickly resolved and she lives because her father basically gave her CPR and breathed for her, creating the basis for the strength he attributes to her and leads to his special treatment of his daughter (sending her to school and setting her up to be a leader). It also mentions her brother's death, but with no details.
This was a great history lesson for me and my kids. I really appreciate that it was written for young children to understand (I have kids aged 7, 8, 10).
February 23, 2022
In her second book, Aire presents the true story of Njinga. From birth to her time as the Queen of Ndongo and Matamba, Njinga was a survivor and an intelligent leader who preferred using diplomacy to protect her people. While her life is fairly well documented for a 17th century figure, Aire fashions the narrative around the outline of her life, including the contentious relation with her brother, her dealings with the Portuguese, and her capabilities. The pages that follow then provide some additional information about Njinga and the two kingdoms she ruled.
This picture book has a different illustrator than Idia of the Benin Kingdom. However, it is just as lovely and shares a similar aesthetic, making the two easily recognizable as a pair. The writing also remains consistent, setting a factual narrative tone.
Aire has created another picture book that not only shares the story of an African woman, but provides another role-model to empower young girls.
This picture book has a different illustrator than Idia of the Benin Kingdom. However, it is just as lovely and shares a similar aesthetic, making the two easily recognizable as a pair. The writing also remains consistent, setting a factual narrative tone.
Aire has created another picture book that not only shares the story of an African woman, but provides another role-model to empower young girls.
May 6, 2021
Rich in culture and history and so much more!
So many jewels in this story to list. First off, my kids and I had a history lesson and sense of cultural experience reading this empowering story. Leadership, equality, negotiation, new language, geography, love, family, sacrifice are just some of the words that describes this masterpiece in a book. This story should be hands down a part of any classroom curriculum. The bonus features in the back of the story provided my children so much learning and education that paired so well with the story. Get it. Read it. Learn it. Valuable tool to enhance multicultural education, literacy and encourage conversations for our youth.
So many jewels in this story to list. First off, my kids and I had a history lesson and sense of cultural experience reading this empowering story. Leadership, equality, negotiation, new language, geography, love, family, sacrifice are just some of the words that describes this masterpiece in a book. This story should be hands down a part of any classroom curriculum. The bonus features in the back of the story provided my children so much learning and education that paired so well with the story. Get it. Read it. Learn it. Valuable tool to enhance multicultural education, literacy and encourage conversations for our youth.
September 17, 2021
We enjoyed this book and learning more about Njinga. I liked that there was additional historical information provided at the back.
Miss 7 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
Miss 7 and I like to explore different books and authors at the library, sometimes around particular topics or themes. We try to get different ones out every week or so; it's fun for both of us to have the variety and to look at a mix of new & favourite authors.
September 19, 2021
Reading children's books can be fun!
I am looking for toddler and preschool books. This one is for an older child. But the message timely. I love the idea of writing about this dynamic woman as a child (I was introduced to her decades ago in The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams with illustrations by Murray DePillars). The illustrations are captivating.
I am looking for toddler and preschool books. This one is for an older child. But the message timely. I love the idea of writing about this dynamic woman as a child (I was introduced to her decades ago in The Destruction of Black Civilization by Chancellor Williams with illustrations by Murray DePillars). The illustrations are captivating.
May 6, 2021
Njinga of Ndongo and Matombe tells us the story of Queen Njinga from what we now know as Angola. It takes us from birth through to her death. Before this I had heard of the Queen and her deeds but did not have a lot to go by.
It's a great read for kids and adults too.
Read my full review on amarionline.wordpress.com
It's a great read for kids and adults too.
Read my full review on amarionline.wordpress.com
July 3, 2021
Nice
Nice children’s book and great illustrations. Needs more information and some reasons why things happened. It’s a bare bones story instead of being fleshed out. It’s interesting though and leaves me wanting to do more research to find out more information for my questions.
Nice children’s book and great illustrations. Needs more information and some reasons why things happened. It’s a bare bones story instead of being fleshed out. It’s interesting though and leaves me wanting to do more research to find out more information for my questions.
July 27, 2021
Educational Book about an African Queen
Beautiful Book about an African Queen.
Lovely illustration
Lovely facts about the Native Language, country etc
Who recommend this book to all ages
Beautiful Book about an African Queen.
Lovely illustration
Lovely facts about the Native Language, country etc
Who recommend this book to all ages
July 30, 2021
African pride
While reading I developed more appreciation for African richness in history and important roles they played, even enhanced application for African fashion in this book
While reading I developed more appreciation for African richness in history and important roles they played, even enhanced application for African fashion in this book
August 9, 2021
Beautiful, vibrant and exciting. A book which will inspire young girls to achieve their dreams. Also a wonderful historial rendition of past history. Great illustrations with realistic colour and drawings.
June 8, 2021
My granddaughter thought it was really good
June 30, 2021
Great for young girls
Enjoyed learning about Njinga. Shows girls that can be just as good as boys. Young girls will learn that knowledge can start wonderful life
Enjoyed learning about Njinga. Shows girls that can be just as good as boys. Young girls will learn that knowledge can start wonderful life
July 2, 2021
Wow
I wish I read more books like these. Very interesting and inspiring. Also we learn more about history. Looking forward to more.
I wish I read more books like these. Very interesting and inspiring. Also we learn more about history. Looking forward to more.
July 15, 2021
Lovely picture book about Queen Njinga of Angola.
Interested me enough to read more about her life.
Interested me enough to read more about her life.
August 30, 2021
Great story
We enjoyed the story and especially love learning about a father’s love helping his daughter have all the chances she should in this life.
We enjoyed the story and especially love learning about a father’s love helping his daughter have all the chances she should in this life.
March 10, 2022
What a powerful book! So inspiring!
September 3, 2022
Beautifully illustrated picture book about a remarkable historical figure. I loved how the story was told, and the added fact pages at the back of the book were an excellent addition.
April 23, 2023
My kids really enjoyed this book in tutoring. So did I.
October 24, 2023
Great read
This book was so wit held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end. The colorful illustrations were so beautiful
This book was so wit held my daughter attention from the beginning to the end. The colorful illustrations were so beautiful
February 10, 2024
My 8-year-old says this was great and inspiring.
July 1, 2021
I read the first book on a whim and when I came across this, the second in the series, I thought, why not? This seemed a little longer to me but it presented a piece of forgotten/overlooked history in an easy-to-read way. The illustrations were very nice! I actually own the Royal Diary, Nzingha (spelling varies) book and reading this made me want to revisit it.
Overall, I did enjoy this series and I think it's great for kids and adults alike.
Overall, I did enjoy this series and I think it's great for kids and adults alike.
July 3, 2021
Njinga of Ndongo and Matamba by Ekiuwa Aire – This was a freebie on Bookbub. A fun little biography picture book! Happy Reading!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews