Becca and Benj, from Reycraft Books, Celebrates Friendship and Making Peace with Longtime Enemies
The early chapter book spotlights the bond between two children from diverse backgrounds and their conflict with a mutual foe.
NEW ROCHELLE, NY, TKTKTKTK—Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books is proud to present Becca and Benj, the first installment of the company’s new early chapter book series, Becca the Brave, from author Judith Henderson and illustrator Amy Jindra. Published on June 4, 2024, the book introduces readers to best friends Rebecca Blum and Benjamin Peter Howard Blake—Becca and Benj for short. They come from different backgrounds—Becca is White and Jewish, Benj is a Person of Color and Gentile—but they think so much alike, and are so respectful of each other’s cultures and traditions, that they’re constant companions in adventures around their neighborhood.
In Becca and Benj, the adventure begins when Benj is invited to Becca’s house on Friday night for a Shabbat dinner. It’s always a special occasion for him—there’s yummy food, fun games, and plenty of opportunities to practice his Yiddish. Only one thing can ruin this dinner: Becca’s neighbor, an annoying, bullying boy whom they call Warren the Worst. When Warren does something especially farshtunken, Becca and Benj must decide if he’s really their enemy, or if peace is possible through the power of Jewish cuisine. ”
Becca and Benj is told from Benj’s point of view, but the subsequent books will shift focus. “One of the unique features of the Becca the Brave series is that each of the three books is told from the perspective of each of the three main characters—one book per character,” editor Wiley
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Judith Henderson is a creator of children’s content. She is an author/illustrator, children’s television producer, and composer, having written the theme song for the Emmy Award winning PBS show Arthur. Judith’s many books include Big Words Small Stories, This Is a Dog Book!, I Am My Name, and Stewart the Goodheart. She loves dogs, books, coffee, and a lot of other stuff too.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Amy Jindra is a Cleveland, Ohio, native with a dedicated passion for illustration. Over the years, she has developed and honed her eclectic and unique style, working both traditionally, with
Blevins said. “First Benj’s perspective of Becca, then Warren’s, and then the third book is Becca’s. So as a collection, they give a unique insight into the dynamics of this ‘friend’ group.”
Henderson noted that the Shabbat dinner figures prominently in all three books, and that she looked to her own family history for inspiration and authenticity. “We weren't particularly observant, but my mother wanted me to know my roots and sent me to 8 years of after-school Hebrew school once a week,” she explained. “Today, I really believe that it instilled in me traditions, stories, holidays, and in particular, Friday night Shabbat dinner. It was candlelit, cozy, incandescent—I loved it. I was encouraged to invite a friend if I wanted, which is where Benj came from. Becca is the Jewish part of me. She is me.”
The notion of trying to improve relations with a longtime foe—in the case of Becca and Benj, the foe would be Warren—also stems from Henderson’s past. “The big takeaway from my Jewish upbringing, which to this day is deep in my bones, is hearing my mother remind me, ‘Judith. Do the right thing,’” she said. “Not always easy. But in our hearts, I think we all know what that means. And I believe that deep down, in every child, there is a best self.”
ABOUT REYCRAFT BOOKS: Reycraft Books partners with award-winning and up-and-coming authors and illustrators, primarily from underrepresented communities, to provide high-quality books that delight, inform, and honor the voice and vision of all children. Founded in 2019, the imprint publishes authentic stories—engaging picture books, chapter books, middle grade books, graphic novels, and more—that build knowledge, perspective, and connection, meeting the diverse needs of children, families, and educators.