Reycraft Books Updates a Classic Nursery Rhyme with Brave Miss Muffet
This lighthearted picture book presents an expanded, modern take on the tale, with a girl protagonist who doesn’t get frightened away.
New Rochelle, NY, Oct. 1, 2022—Leading children’s trade publisher Reycraft Books, author Dori Graham, and illustrator Kyle Beckett have put a whole new spin on a familiar story in the critically acclaimed picture book Brave Miss Muffet .
Published in hardcover on September 1, 2022, Brave Miss Muffet introduces—or reintroduces—young readers to Little Miss Muffet, who, as the classic nursery rhyme goes, sat on a tuffet but ultimately ran away in terror when a large spider sat down next to her. But that was the old Miss Muffet. The star of Graham and Beckett’s version of the story finds the spider fascinating, not frightening. In fact, this Brave Miss Muffet has no fear when it comes to other supposedly scary animals, including crocodiles, snakes, and bears (oh my!). This raises the question: Is there anything that can frighten off the seemingly fearless Miss Muffet?
Written in a crisp, playful style and accompanied by striking, vibrant illustrations, Brave Miss Muffet presents a young female protagonist who challenges expectations and takes readers on a fun, visually irresistible adventure. Kirkus Reviews calls the book “a charming take on the well-known nursery rhyme that recasts its timid protagonist as a strong, capable heroine.” School Library Journal’s starred review describes Brave Miss Muffet as “an excellent addition to any elementary library or classroom collection [that] can be paired with its traditional predecessor for a sharp lesson in literature and character development.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Dori Graham lives in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with her phenomenal wife, ornery dog, and diva cat. Working every day as a school librarian, teacher, and writer, Dori gets to be all three things that her eight-year-old self wished to be when she grew up. She wholeheartedly believes in the power of books, the ability to turn fears into opportunities, and the existence of dragons.
ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR:
Kyle Beckett was in the third grade and sold a drawing of a bluebird wearing sunglasses at lunch. His payment? One chocolate chip cookie! From that first commission on, he knew he wanted to be an illustrator. It wasn’t until much later (he had almost finished eating his cookie) that he decided to be a writer, too. Growing up in Rockford, Illinois, he started putting drawings and words on every piece of paper he could find, and maybe even a wall or two.
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.