Authentic Stories and Illustrations
Reflecting the Voice and Vision of Children

At REYCRAFT BOOKS our mission is to create books of interest for ALL children. We publish original and licensed works from authors and illustrators around the globe who have unique stories to tell.

Dear Reader,

I came to the United States as a child. I can remember the sense of alienation during those early days in my new country, in a new school. I remember turning to books, searching for characters that looked like me, characters that mirrored my feelings and experiences. I remember not finding any. Those memories are at the heart of Reycraft Books.

I believe every child needs to know that their story is important—that it has value. I decided to start an imprint to publish the stories that have not yet been told, as well as the stories that have been told but have not yet been truly heard. This is my mission and my passion.

I am very proud to present to you the inaugural list from Reycraft Books—an incredible collection of beautiful fiction and nonfiction trade books with a focus on diversity. As you browse through these pages you’ll find familiar, award-winning authors and illustrators and a host of inspiring new talent, each bringing their unique vision and perspective. Please let me know what you think.

— Sera Reycraft, Publisher

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Best Books

MY HANDS TELL A STORY

A little girl, baking bread with her grandmother, becomes transported by the tales her grandmother’s hands tell—those that spring from the rose-painted nails, a flower-banded wedding ring, and the way her fingers move and glide.

BLOOD BROTHERS

Calvin Johnston’s secret is out. He and his brothers are tainted. Untouchable. And the bad blood flowing through their veins is threatening to kill them. So are some of their neighbors in Ashland, the "Friendliest Little Town" in Florida.

VOICES OF THE PEOPLE

Through poems that capture the essence of each person’s life, acclaimed Native American writer Joseph Bruchac introduces readers to famous indigenous leaders from The Peacemaker in 1000 A.D. to modern day dancer Maria Tallchief and Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller. Each poem is illustrated by a modern-day tribally enrolled artist.

THE LEGEND OF THE SPIRIT SERPENT

This modern retelling of a traditional Kalinago legend from the Caribbean island of Dominica recounts the story of a huge serpent who once guarded the indigenous people.

BAHAR, THE LUCKY

Determined to help her family earn more money than what she makes selling rugs at the local bazaar, Bahar decides to become a fortune teller. After all, how hard could it be?

FOOTPRINTS

Every footprint—from the physical to the digital and the permanent to the fleeting—leaves a mark on Earth telling a story of the past, the present, or the future.

BUMBLE BROTHERS

Meet Walter and Christopher: the Bumble Brothers. These nine-year-old twins MUST have the latest comic book featuring their favorite superhero, Frabbit (½ frog & ½ rabbit). But Harold the neighborhood bully stands in their way.

MERCADO: HEART OF THE BARRIO

“Because Mexico is in its markets,” as Pablo Neruda writes, Mexican author Judy Goldman takes us on a visually stunning journey through the colors, aromas, and flavors of its markets. So grab a bag, and let’s go!

FERDINAND CHEVAL: THE POSTMAN WHO DELIVERED A PALACE

In a sleepy town in Southern France stands a mysterious structure. Is it a fortress? A giant labyrinth? The castle of a long-forgotten king? It is, in fact, the work of one man, Ferdinand Cheval.

DANDAN'S DREAM

Dandan has always dreamed of visiting her father, who is away studying icebergs at the South Pole. Now, thanks to a new post office policy, she can mail herself there—but not without a few adventures along the way.

WOODPECKER GIRL

A girl with cerebral palsy feels trapped in her body and unable to communicate. When her art teacher straps a paintbrush to her head, she begins to paint her thoughts and feelings—opening up her world. This book is based on an actual story.

SPOTTED TAIL

Outstanding Merit

This biography of Spotted Tail traces the life of the famous Lakota leader who expertly guided his people through a pivotal and tumultuous time in their nation’s history.

CALL ME MAX

When Max starts school, the teacher hesitates to call out the name on the attendance sheet. Something doesn’t seem to fit.

DEAR ABUELO

Through letters to her grandfather in Mexico, Juana details her move to New York, her first days of school, and her new friendship with a classmate who speaks both Spanish and English.

RICE

Farmers weed at noon, and their sweat falls onto the field. Have you ever eaten rice? Do you eat it every day? Do you know where it comes from? It comes from a lot of hard work! What we eat are grains of rice, which are called “gu” in China.

BLACK CAT, YELLOW BUNNY

This nearly wordless book shows the slowly developing friendship between a cat and a bunny who meet on a chance encounter in the park.

THE POWWOW THIEF

Twins Jamie and Marie Longbow attempt to solve the mystery of their grandmother's missing necklace at a summer powwow.

THE RELUCTANT STORYTELLER

2021 Honor Award

Chooch is reluctant about many things. He is reluctant to be a storyteller like the rest of his Cherokee family, and he is reluctant to spend spring break in the small town of Greasy, Oklahoma, with Uncle Dynamite. But Chooch will find out there’s more than one way to tell a story.

ONE AFTERNOON

2021 Honor Award

This brilliantly crafted wordless book tells two stories simultaneously. On the top a boy leaves his home to go about his daily tasks and obligations. On the bottom, his dog waits at home—having his own set of adventures!

GRANDMA AND ROOSTER

2021 Honor Award

It’s Chinese New Year and Grandma has a special present for her family: a rooster to make into delicious soup! But when her granddaughter, Xiaoyue, meets the rooster, she begs to keep him as a pet. Together, Grandma and Xiaoyue take the rooster on a journey through the city to ring in the New Year.

MY BIG FAMILY

Alex is excited that his family is coming to visit. First Grandma arrives and Alex rearranges his room so she can fit. Then Aunt Celia arrives, and the cousins start to pile in. Yummy Cuban food fills the house with delicious aromas, and everyone is happy—except Alex.

SORAYA AND THE MERMAID

It’s not easy being the weirdest kid in fourth grade. Soraya finds her escape reading comic books about a space superhero who saves the day. But everything changes when Soraya’s class goes on a field trip to an aquarium. Is that really a mermaid in the big tank, talking to Soraya and asking for her help? Can Soraya rise to the occasion and save the day like her superhero idol?

WHOOO KNEW? THE TRUTH ABOUT OWLS

How do owls see in the dark? Can owls spin their heads all the way around? Why do owls puke? These and other questions are answered by an owl expert, along with some extra information provided by the owls themselves!

IT’S OKAY

A little boy and his mother draw together, turning his mistakes into marvelous pictures. But what happens when his mother makes a mistake? What will that become?

STORM WARNING

2021 Honor Award

No matter how hard twelve-year-old North Olson tries to do what’s right, he can’t seem to please his dad. When a major flood threatens to destroy his hometown, North is left in charge of his little sister Rosie. A blizzard blows in and his great-grandmother disappears. Can North find his great-grandmother and keep Rosie safe as the flood waters continue to rise? Will he finally make his dad proud?

DOLLEY MADISON

2021 Honor Award

Many people know the story of Dolley Madison, one of the first First Ladies to live in the White House, and how she saved the famous painting of George Washington as the British attacked and burned Washington, D. C. But few know what happened next.

CARLOS GOMEZ FREESTYLES…HEAVY ON THE STYLE

2021 Honor Award

Loosely based on the artist’s childhood in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this graphic novel centers on Carlos Gomez and his family—the only Mexican family in their Midwestern town. When invited to participate in a talent competition at an upcoming RV show, Carlos decides to join the BMX stunt team and show his special flair. What could possibly go wrong? This graphic novel encompasses the intersectionality of LatinX, LGBTQ, and disability.

ONE LAND, MANY NATIONS

2021 Honor Award

The continental United States is one land, but within its borders are many nations—sovereign Native American nations whose citizens have dual citizenship. In Volume 1 of this series, Native Americans Traci Sorell (Cherokee) and Lee Francis IV (Laguna Pueblo) take readers on a contemporary tour of their nation. Readers learn the history of their people, famous citizens, traditional stories, as well as details about tribal life today—including their system of government, education, and commerce.

MOON TREE

A little girl finds a sycamore tree named a “moon tree” and wonders why. When no one knows, her third-grade class is determined to find the answer. Their quest leads them to NASA, an extraordinary boy who grew up to be an astronaut, a broken metal container, and a story more fascinating than they could have ever imagined.

RIBBIT! THE TRUTH ABOUT FROGS

Where do frogs live? What sounds do frogs make? How do frogs eat? These and other questions are answered by the author, along with some extra information provided by the frogs themselves.

STORY QUILTS: APPALACHIAN WOMEN

History has forgotten most Appalachian women, many of whom were poor or lacked formal education. Yet these women told powerful stories through the quilts they created from scraps of cloth collected over time. Piece by piece these patchwork quilts revealed the beauty of mountain life.

THE RAMADAN DRUMMER

One night during Ramadan, Adam startles awake. BANG! BANG! BANG! It’s the Ramadan Drummer, wandering the streets to wake everyone up for a meal before the day’s fast. As Adam explores the dark streets with the drummer, he learns that every act of kindness is rewarded tenfold during Ramadan.

THE SCULPTORS OF LIGHT: POEMS ABOUT CUBAN WOMEN ARTISTS

From folk art to photography, architecture to painting, sculpture to music, female Cuban artists have long gone unnoticed on a global scale. This poetry collection highlights the lives and legacies of eight Cuban women who have redefined art in their communities.

LAS ESULTORAS DE LA LUZ

HOW TO DRAGON

Douglas doesn't fit in with other dragons. Instead of battling knights and frightening princesses, he likes to spend his time picking flowers and baking treats. To get him to become more fearsome, Douglas' doctor prescribes some dragon exercises.

The Clues Are in the Poo

Karen Chin is hunting for treasure. But she's not interested in gold or jewels…she's interested in poo.

Schlemiel Comes to America

In this twist on the classic Jewish stories, Schlemiel lives in the famous town of Chelm, known as "the place of fools."

Weekend and Zay: Saturday School

Best friends Weekend and Zay seem like opposites. While Zay loves going to school, Weekend would rather stay home and play video games. .

Carlos Gomez: Rise of the Trashcan Zombies

Months after his success at the BMX expo, Carlos is facing a lot of changes. Another Latino family has moved into town; his best friend RJ seems more interested in hanging out with the soccer team than Carlos; and the terrifying Mrs. Wynkle has roped him into directing the school spring play.

How Wake Up Piggy

When Piggy’s loud snores wake up his little friends they try to CLANG, HOOT, and RIBBIT him awake but nothing works. Maybe little ladybug knows the secret. Do you?

Tapping Feet

Slap! Flap! Tap! What’s that sound? That’s the sound of Tap! In the 1800s, African and Irish Americans found that they had something in common: Both cultures shared a love of dance. As people came together in New York City, the dance style “Tap” grew with each new dancer.

The Sasquatch of Hawthorne Elementary

A huge, mysterious creature is hiding out in the woods near Jake Nelson’s new home—he’s sure of it.