You Are a Reader/You Are a Writer, written by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Christine Davenier. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2021. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Storybooks aren't quite your speed?
So many other things to read!

Labels, 
programs, 
comic books. 

A recipe that you can cook. 

Magazines! 
Maps, directions. 
Menus full of sweet selections."

This book is perfect for readers, for writers, for listeners, and for those who love to tell stories. The narrator speaks to the process it takes for a child to become a reader. It is not easy, but the work is worth it. No matter how a child gets there, it is a worthy journey. Learning to love reading comes with finding the 'just right' book ... one that speaks to a reader's heart, interests, and begs to be read again and again. Taking the steps to get to that point is what literacy is all about, and what makes hearts sing. 

The list of reading materials is extensive; it is in no way connected only to storybooks and novels. Stop to think what you have read today. You might be surprised at how much reading is done to gather information, and to make life easier. The places for reading are countless. Living a life within the books read is ever-changing, constantly allowing readers to live with empathy and kindness for others, with travels around the world, and with pleasure for the task itself.

"Reading is like milk and bread - 
 feeds your thirsty, hungry head. 
You can dream! Imagine! Muse! 
Slip on someone else's shoes."

A quick turn to the back of the book, and the reader becomes a writer. 

Here, the narrator describes all those things that writers can do. The two are mutually important in being literate. Writers know how stories work, based on their reading experiences. Using their senses, enjoying experiences wherever they find them, and honing skills through asking questions, pondering points, and hard work encourage children to take a chance at writing their own works. As with reading, there are many ways to find a writing voice ... banners, journals, thank-you notes, poetry. 

"Hear the stories in your head, 
bake them into epic bread. 
Write to share your hopes and notions
or to sort out tough emotions."

A clever design, rhyming text, and loads of encouragement to try reading and writing as empowering ways to communicate with others assure that this book will be a perennial favorite for young learners. Christine Davenier brings her signature joy and energy to the diverse characters who people its pages. They fulfill their roles as readers and writers with emotion and wonder at all they accomplish.  

Bravo!