5 Books Published by Reycraft Books on AALBC — Book Cover Collage

Embark on an adventurous journey with The Trickster in the Vase, crafted by the imaginative Sophia Ezomoghene and vividly illustrated by Sanjay Charlton. Twins Eddie and Nosa Osagie learn a crucial lesson: never enter Baba’s study. However, the temptation proves too strong on Grandpa Sunny’s birthday. All they desire is a simple game of soccer with the ball in the forbidden study. Little do they know, one wrong move sends a dusty bronze vase crashing, releasing the mischievous trickster spirit, Eshu.

Sibling Mischief and Unleashed Chaos: Join Eddie and Nosa as sibling curiosity leads to chaos. The accidental release of Eshu sets off a series of mischievous events, creating havoc in the neighborhood. Sophia Ezomoghene weaves a tale of sibling mischief and the consequences that follow.

Race Against Trickery: As Eshu wreaks havoc, Eddie and Nosa find themselves in a race against time to outsmart the trickster. The narrative unfolds as they navigate through their neighborhood, attempting to track down the elusive spirit and put an end to his playful, yet troublesome, tricks.

Soccer, Spirits, and Sneaking: Experience the thrill of soccer games and the unexpected twists that come with unleashing a trickster spirit. Sophia Ezomoghene skillfully blends the ordinary joy of sibling play with the supernatural, creating a unique and captivating narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Grandpa Sunny’s Party Countdown: With Grandpa Sunny’s party looming, the stakes rise. Eddie and Nosa face the challenge of returning Eshu to the vase without anyone noticing. Will they manage to defeat the trickster before the guests arrive, or will their secret be exposed to Baba? The countdown to the party adds an extra layer of suspense to the tale.

Lessons of Curiosity and Consequences: The Trickster in the Vase not only captivates with its enchanting narrative but also imparts valuable lessons about the consequences of curiosity. Sophia Ezomoghene and Sanjay Charlton create a world where the boundaries between the ordinary and the magical blur, leaving readers with a sense of wonder and a reminder that some secrets are best left undisturbed.

Future football star Micah Hudson’s most prized possession is a football signed by THE Jackson Vick. But when he brings it to school for show-and-tell, it mysteriously disappears! With the help of his best friend, Carter, and a checklist on how to be a detective, Micah follows a trail of clues to catch the thief. Will he discover the truth before school ends?

Lang Ford is moving, again. He’s leaving his school, friends, and community for his dad’s new post at Fort Goode Military Base in Virginia. As Lang settles into his new life and meets new friends, he learns that as long as his family is together, he is home.

This encouraging and relatable children’s book, by Winsome Bingham, conveys how when one person serves in the military, the whole family serves in the military. It brings you into the life of a Jamerican boy who must learn to balance friendship, family, and adapting to his new home. The book also includes a glossary of terms for the reader and even includes a recipe for Jamaican Grater Cake!

Fun Fact: Where did the name Ft. Goode come from: The author said that since bases are usually named after presidents and generals, she wanted it to look like a name (hence the "e" at the end of Goode and a slight nod to Fort Hood in Texas. She really wanted to call it Fort Hood as in "we live in the ’hood," but since it’s an actual base she couldn’t do that.). Also, because she is African American (and so is the main family), she wanted a nod to the 1970s military recruiting slogan calling for "The Good Black Soldier."

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. These hands have many tales to tell. But only if you listen.

As the reader experiences the sights, sounds, and activities of each season through the authors poetic words, the illustrations celebrate the joys of fatherhood by showing African American dads and their kids enjoying the year together.