Italy

Illustrated biography of the guy who did it all - he was a painter, inventor, engineer, pageant director, sculptor, musician. He observed nature, studied the human body, drew maps and designed weapons. (Chapter book)

Take a trip through Rome, old and new – ruins of the Roman forum, Emperor Constantine's foot, Piazza Venezia and the "wedding cake" monument, biggest church in the world, St. Peter's, secret passageways of Castel Sant'Angelo, legend of Santa Maria Maggiore, and more. Whimsical illustrations capture the panoramic history and fun in Rome today, this is a classic. (Picture book)

Elisabetta falls in love with Giuliano de' Medici, son of Lorenzo the Magnificent. But Florence is divided by war and a tyrannical monk, and it's Leonardo da Vinci, not Giuliano, who captures her smile, the portrait of Monna Lisa. (Chapter book)

Leonardo da Vinci is painting the Last Supper, but it's going very slowly, and must be finished before the Pope arrives in Milan. Seen through the eyes of Giacomo, da Vinci's youthful servant, this is a suspenseful story of Leonardo, the man, the artist, the inventor, set in the turbulent life and times of 15th century Milan.(Chapter book)

Put together five models of Leonardo's inventions – a flying machine, paddle boat, armored tank, automated cart, mechanical knight, plus detailed drawings and descriptions in da Vinci's own words. Cardboard models are easily assembled, no glue or mechanical genius required. (Activity book)

Life and times of a Renaissance genius – the mega-talented Michelangelo, painter of the Sistine Chapel, sculptor of David and Pieta, and architect of St. Peter's in Rome. (Picture Book)

Also chapter book: Michelangelo for Kids: His Life and Ideas

Little Katie gets in the picture, when the Mona Lisa invites her to climb into Italian Renaissance paintings. But everything doesn't go quite right, and it takes an angel to soothe three angry Botticelli dancers and a roaring lion of Venice. Charming illustrations, fun for little kids. (Picture book)

"I, Galileo Galilei, am old can no longer see, but there was a time when I saw all the way to the stars. Galileo invented his own telescope, and observed the sun, planets and moon. Although he was imprisoned for his book on the solar system, Galileo's inventions and ideas changed the world. (Picture book)

Also chapter book Who Was Galileo?

16th century Venice. Donata breaks the rigid confines of her noble family to explore her beloved city. Sparkling story of a teenage girl who would rather wear smelly clothes of a fisherboy than silks and parasols, and glows with the light and colors of Venice. (Chapter book)

Essential guide to ancient Rome – history, the emperors (complete timeline), legionaries, senators and slaves, family life, gladiators and the arena, food and dinner parties, music and theater, gods and religion. Fabulous artifacts, detailed photographs, and a model of the Colosseum. (Picture book)

Also, chapter book: Where Is the Colosseum?

79 A.D. While her sea captain dad is out to sea, Flavia and her three friends solve the mystery of who killed the watchdogs on Green Fountain Street. This mystery adventure is set in Ostia Antica, the port of Rome, and brings the ancient city to life. (Chapter book)

The Secrets of Vesuvius, The Pirates of Pompeii, The Assassins of Rome, The Enemies of Jupiter, The Gladiators from Capua The Charioteer of Delphi, and the final book, The Man from Pomegranate Street

All about Roman gods and goddesses, adventures of those fearless twins Romulus and Remus (founders of Rome), emperors good and bad, family life, children of Rome (parents were strict), festivals, gladiators, fall of the empire. Delightful illustrations, Roman history comes alive! (Picture book)

If you're planning to visit Rome, Ostia, Hadrian's Villa, Pompeii, Herculaneum or Paestum, this is an essential guide to the ruins. With cool plastic overlays, you can see what the dusty ruins look like today, and what they looked like in Roman times. (Picture book)

Illustrated history of Pompeii from the eruption to buried city, rediscovered and excavated centuries later. Also, find out about daily life in Pompeii – shopping, fashion, housing, theater, and gladiator games. (Illustrated chapter book)

Also picture book: Explore 360° Pompeii

Strega Nona, a kindly grandma, has a magic pasta pot. Big Anthony gets into trouble when he says, "Bubble, bubble pasta pot, boil me some pasta nice and hot." Fun for little ones. (Picture book)

Delightful illustrated overview of Italy – maps and regions of Italy, a typical Italian town, school life, what Italians like to eat and drink, history and festivals, useful Italian words. (Picture book)

Not a guidebook, this is filled with fascinating facts and stories about Rome – lucky fountains, solar panels and fig leaves at the Vatican, spooky stones, food and fashions of ancient Rome, grisly history, street art, and tons more. Wacky and fun! (Illustrated chapter book)

Each pocket-size book is a scavenger hunt for Florence and Venice. Find portraits in the museums, get your photo taken in front of the "Gates of Paradise," rub the bronze boar, visit a pasticceria, count the bridges across the Grand Canal, and more. Fun for everyone in the family. (Activity book)

This is a wonderful way for kids to travel around Italy and put things in a journal – spot your favorite pasta shapes, pencil in favorite building colors, collect postcards of your favorite landmark, and many fun activities! (Activity book)