Twelve year old Hector wasn't keen on spending his summer on an Etruscan dig in Tuscany, but when he finds a mysterious stone eye, the dusty ruins around him become a thriving Etruscan village, more than 2,000 years ago. Can Hector protect an Etruscan boy from an evil plot, and keep the archeological dig going? (Chapter book)

1301, Florence. Step into exciting times in Tuscany, seen through the eyes of Dante's daughter, Antonia. After her poet father is exiled from Florence, Antonia finds herself in Siena, living in the warm noisy household of the artist Duccio. Antonia's story is a vivid panoramic journey, her quick restless mind and vibrant dreams illuminated by poetry and painting. A wonderful teen read. (Chapter book)

When you visit museums or churches in Tuscany, you'll run into these guys – Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Fra Angelico and Botticelli. This is a fun, readable introduction to 30 different Renaissance paintings and sculpture. Good for younger kids. (Picture book)

And, perfect to bring on your trip - Go Fish for Art Rensaissance Card Game

An excellent guide to the Renaissance art of Italy, including artworks from Siena and Florence, and Tuscan artists Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. Good for older kids.
(Picture book)

Who Can Crack the Leonardo da Vinci Code?
(Museum of Adventures)
Thomas Brezina, Laurence Sartin

In a darkened museum, the Mona Lisa is waving through a window… Travel back in time to meet da Vinci in his workshop, decipher Leonardo's mirror writing to solve seven riddles, and crack the code, before the evil Dr. Malfatto and Mrs. Bart can get their hands on a mystery treasure. A fun and lively exploration of Leonardo's art. (Picture book)

Engaging story of Leonardo da Vinci – his fascination with nature as a child, busy years painting, his inventions, scientific studies, sculptures, pageants and costume designs. Rich, detailed illustrations bring Leonardo to life.
(Picture book)

Michelangelo, like Leonardo, was another talented Tuscan who could do everything – painting, poetry, sculpture, architecture. Lively mini-biography of Michelangelo, from his sculptures (including his most famous sculpture, David, in Florence), architectural feats, and the his frescoes.. (Picture book)

This wonderful translation of Pinocchio, from the Italian original, is unlike any other. Each chapter is a story-within-a-story, with unexpected adventures of Pinocchio. Young readers will enjoy Pinocchio as a roguish, spikey hero (far from the squishy cartoon character), illustrated with colorful paintings and drawings by a contemporary Italian artist.
(Chapter book)

Drawings to color – city of Florence, lords and ladies (elaborate hairstyles), the Medicis, soldiers and war horses, Leonardo da Vinci and his flying machines. (Coloring book)