A Review by Anne Miller, President
Home Educators Association of Virginia (HEAV)

As a long-time Williamsburg resident I took my first incredulous look at Willi Gets A History Lesson in Virginia’s Historic Triangle and thought, “Oh, brother, how hokie, someone’s dog “photoshopped” into local historic sites.” But as I read the story about Willi’s adventures in the Historic Triangle, I began to smile, and then to laugh. Next I gave it to my 10- and 13-year-old sons to see what their reaction would be and they LOVED it – even my husband laughed out loud.

Dr. Ellen K. Rudolph, the author of the book, has successfully created a fun-filled, but educational story that gives a memorable, albeit wacky tour of the historic area from a dog’s perspective. Willi, who gets separated from her owner at Jamestown Settlement, takes the reader on a journey of learning and adventure.

In her quest to find her owner, Willi visits all the important places in Jamestown, Yorktown and Williamsburg. Making many friends along the way, she gets help from Thomas Jefferson, the organist at Bruton Parish Church, visiting tourists, the creatures of the forest and rivers, the livestock at Colonial Williamsburg, and many others.

Filled with photographs, history facts, and tidbits about the local sites and sounds, this book would make an incredibly fun and interesting basis for a unit study. Dr. Rudolph has also put together a set of helpful History Notes with more detailed information on the places Willi visits, as well as an educational website with supplementary materials that include a quiz, maze, puzzles, maps, a glossary of unusual words, resource links for the study of Virginia history – even a blog for Willi!

If you’re looking for a book on Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg that is out of the ordinary, and that will engage your elementary-aged child and make you laugh, this is the one to buy.

Recommended for grades three through five, I think children as young as three and as old as 83 would delight in Willi’s adventures.