Recommended books and events for children!

Mr. McCloskey’s Marvelous Mallards

Emma Bland Smith

Artist Robert McCloskey saw ducks in Boston Public Garden, and he knew he had to write about them. As the ducklings grew, he followed them with pad and pencil. At times he even acted like a duck! Through revision after revision, Robert improved the art and story, until he and his editor were finally satisfied. 

Note from WRL Staff:
We love the delightful classic Make Way for Ducklings. This one is great for readers who want a behind-the-scenes look at where books come from, or for anyone who really likes ducks! 

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Firefighter Flo

Andrea Zimmerman 

Firefighter Flo jumps out of bed! There’s a fire and only a pro like Flo and her team can help. Read along as the firefighters put on their fireproof suits, rush off in their truck, douse the fire with the big hose, and rescue the family pet. 

Note from WRL Staff:
Calling all lovers of firetrucks and firefighting! Learn about the ins and outs of being a firefighter, and cheer on Flo and her team as they save the day. 

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A Rover’s Story

Jasmine Warga 

Built to explore Mars, Resilience begins to develop human-like feelings as he learns from the NASA scientists who assembled him, and as he blasts off and explores Mars, Resilience must overcome different obstacles as he explores the red planet. 

Note from WRL Staff:
Prepare to fall in love with Res and all the people who cheer him on back on Earth. This story is packed with adventure and full of heart. A must-read for fans of The Wild Robot.

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Two-Headed Chicken

Tom Angleberger

Anything is possible in the multiverse, including a madcap adventure starring a plucky two-headed chicken. But look out--there's a chicken-hungry moose in pursuit!

Note from WRL Staff:
If you like silliness, crazy adventures, and made-up worlds, you'll LOVE Two-Headed Chicken.

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Check out our collection of graphic nonfiction novels!

Read the History Smashers series!

Note from WRL Staff:
It isn't all DogMan and Pokemon! Explore eras in history with History Smashers! by Kate Messner or Hazardous Tales by Nathan Hale.

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Reading Challenges

March's Challenge: Picture Book March Madness

16 picture books will battle it out in a bracketed tournament to be WRL’s champion. Revisit classics and find something new to add to your reading log. Visit the library to follow the matchups and vote for your favorites. Just like picture books, this challenge is for kids of all ages.

Get ready for April's Challenge: Myths and Mysteries

Dragons and Cyclops and Sphinx, oh my! Learn about beasts of legend from around the world and log your reading to earn points, and create your own mythological creature. Click the button below to learn more and to register.

1000 Books Before Kindergarten

Now until May 31
All Libraries


The idea is simple, the rewards are priceless. Read a book, any book, to your child. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your little one starts kindergarten. Sign up and log your reading at wrl.beanstack.org to earn prizes while you build important early literacy skills and work towards school reading readiness.

Beanstack Challenges

Book Events

Paws to Read with K-9 Connection

March 26, 2:30-3:30 PM
James City County Library


Reading is even more fun when you can share it with a fluffy, four-legged friend. Drop in to read a story to trained therapy dogs. No registration required.

Percy Jackson’s HeroFest

April 8, 1-4 PM
Williamsburg Library & Stryker Center


Are you ready to train at Camp Half-Blood, open the Book of Ra, or search the Nine Worlds for your demigod destiny? Whichever mythological pantheon you favor, this celebration of all things Riordanverse is for you. Fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians (and many other series) are invited to enjoy games, crafts, and more all about the world of gods, mortals, and demigods. The festivities will include a virtual visit from three very special guests: Rick Riordan Presents authors Roshani Chokshi, Carlos Hernandez, and Kwame Mbalia.

Book Groups

In BeTWEEN the Pages

March 28, 6-7 PM
Williamsburg Library


Come meet some fellow readers and join the conversation. This book club is designed for ages 9-12 and is limited to 15 members. Call 757.741.3300, option 4 to register and receive a free copy of this month’s book.

Beanbag Book Club

April 2, 2 PM, 3 PM
James City County Library


Join other emerging readers to read, play
games, and participate in fun activities based on an early reader book. Participants will get a copy of
the month’s book to keep. We offer two sessions, one at 2 pm and one at 3 pm; each session will last approximately 45 minutes and will consist of the same book, activity, and craft. For beginning readers ages 5-8. Space is limited, and 
registration is required. Please call 757.741.3300, option 4 for more information or to register.

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Williamsburg Regional Library
7770 Croaker Rd
Williamsburg, Virginia 23188
757.741.3300

www.wrl.org