Books About Italy · 157 titles considered

The Best Italy Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about italy? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Inkheart
#1 in Series
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Italy

Sale price
$1248
Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2003

Inkheart

By Cornelia Funke, Anthea Bell (Translator) · Book #1 in the Inkworld series

A girl must stop a villain brought to life from a book.

576 pages· 145,856 words· Est. 16 hour read
5.4/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 446,760 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Meggie's quiet life shatters when her father reads a villain out of a book, thrusting them into a perilous adventure. As fictional characters come to life, Meggie must harness her own hidden powers to save her father and rewrite their fate. Can she change the story before it's too late?
Chapter Book · Ages 12–18 · 2016

Love & Gelato

A journal leads Lina on a Tuscan adventure to uncover family secrets.

416 pages· 76,954 words· Est. 7 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 199,111 ratings
$12.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Lina's summer in Tuscany, meant to fulfill her mother's dying wish, takes an unexpected turn when she discovers her mother's journal. As she delves into a world of hidden romances and art, Lina, alongside the charming Ren, embarks on a journey to unravel a long-kept secret. This revelation could change everything she knows about her family and herself. Will Lina find more than just love and gelato in Italy?
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2006

Penny from Heaven

Penny's summer plans unravel amid family tensions and past prejudices.

Newbery Honor (2007)
304 pages· 46,792 words· Est. 6.5 hour read
4.0/5 Goodreads · 9,915 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In 1953, Penny dreams of a carefree summer filled with ice cream and baseball. But her plans are thwarted by her mother's fear of polio, a favorite uncle living in a car, and a family divided by past prejudices. As Penny navigates these challenges, she discovers unexpected ways to bring her family together. Set in post-war America, this heartfelt tale explores the bonds that both divide and unite us, revealing the extraordinary within the everyday. Can Penny find harmony amidst the chaos and heal the rifts in her family?
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1978

The Clown of God

A juggler's last performance on Christmas Eve may lead to a miracle.

48 pages· 1,403 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
6.1/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,480 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Giovanni, once a celebrated juggler, finds himself poor and forgotten. As Christmas Eve approaches, he decides to perform one last time with his colorful balls. Will this act bring about a miracle? Discover the magic and wonder of a legend where hope and talent intertwine, leading to an unexpected Christmas miracle that could change everything for Giovanni.
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2013

The Matchbox Diary

A girl uncovers her great-grandfather's immigration story through matchbox mementos.

40 pages· 1,371 words· Est. 11 min read-aloud
6.0/7 Bookroo·4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,569 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: A young girl visits her great-grandfather and discovers a hidden diary within a cigar box. Each matchbox inside holds a relic from his journey from Italy to a new land. As she explores these treasures, she unravels tales of hardship, hope, and heritage. What secrets will these tiny artifacts reveal about his past and their shared legacy? This touching exploration of family history bridges generations, inviting readers to reflect on the stories that shape us.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2000

The Thief Lord

Two brothers flee to Venice, pursued by a detective, uncovering a magical treasure that alters time.

368 pages· 86,063 words· Est. 12 hour read
5.8/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 103,557 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the shadowy alleys of Venice, orphaned brothers Prosper and Bo find refuge with a band of street children led by the enigmatic Thief Lord. As they embrace their new life of petty crime, their past catches up with them—a relentless detective and a magical treasure capable of bending time threaten their newfound freedom. Can they outwit their pursuers and protect their secret haven, or will the allure of the treasure unravel everything? Dive into a world where the past and present collide, and nothing is as it seems.
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2003

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Can Granny's stories and recipes mend a fractured friendship?

160 pages· 15,383 words· Est. 2 hour read
5.5/7 Bookroo·3.9/5 Goodreads · 6,685 ratings
$6.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Twelve-year-old Rosie is furious with her lifelong friend, Bailey. Their bond is tested, but Granny Torrelli knows just the remedy. Through her captivating stories and secret recipes, she helps Rosie rediscover the essence of friendship and family. As Granny makes soup, Rosie learns that life's twists can't break true connections. Will Granny's wisdom and warmth heal the rift between Rosie and Bailey? Dive into a tale where love and laughter simmer together, reminding us of the ties that bind.
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1982

Strega Nona's Magic Lessons

Magic lessons turn chaotic when a bumbling apprentice gets involved.

32 pages
5.5/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,341 ratings
$8.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Bambolona, weary of endless bakery chores, seeks magical wisdom from Strega Nona. But when the clumsy Big Anthony joins the lessons, chaos is inevitable. Can they master magic without disaster? Discover the enchanting misadventures that unfold as they navigate spells and surprises, where every lesson could lead to unexpected trouble.
Chapter Book · Ages 7–+ · 1960

This is Rome

Explore Rome's vibrant past and present through vivid illustrations and playful narratives.

64 pages
4.3/5 Goodreads · 260 ratings
$17.95Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Journey through Rome's bustling streets with Sasek's vibrant illustrations and witty narrative. Discover iconic landmarks like the Vatican and Pantheon, while experiencing the charm of 1960s Roman life. Updated facts bring a modern twist to this nostalgic exploration, capturing the city's timeless allure and eccentricities. Will you uncover the secrets of Rome's past and present?
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2009

Peril at the Grand Prix: Italy

A race against time to save a hero from deadly sabotage.

144 pages· 10,749 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 243 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: In Italy, young Secret Agent Jack Stalwart faces his toughest mission yet. His idol, race car driver Morgan Parks, is targeted by a mysterious assassin. With the Monza Grand Prix at stake, Jack must unravel the plot and protect Parks from another deadly attempt. Can Jack outsmart the saboteur and ensure victory for the Italian team, or will danger speed ahead? The clock is ticking, and the race is on.
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Italy Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about italy for the youngest readers and listeners.

Maria Montessori

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Discover a trailblazer who revolutionized education and changed children's lives.

First Words: Italian

Ages 2–6 · 2019

Discover 12 Italian words with illustrations and pronunciation guides.

Italy

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Experience a day in Italy with soccer, gelato, and Italian words.

Sale price
$799

Rome

Ages 2–5 · 2021

Explore Rome's wonders while learning the days of the week.

Sale price
$599

Italy

Ages 0–3 · 2016

Count your way through Italy's landmarks with your toddler.

Poppy and Vivaldi

Ages 4–6 · 2018

Embark on a musical journey through Venice, discovering Vivaldi's enchanting sounds.

View all italy board books
Browse by age

Italy Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about italy for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Sale price
$1599

I am Leonardo da Vinci

Ages 5–9 · 2020

Discover how curiosity and creativity shaped Leonardo da Vinci's legendary inventions.

This Is Venice

Ages 6–10 · 1961

Explore Venice's iconic canals and landmarks through vibrant illustrations and playful storytelling.

Bloom

Ages 4–8 · 2018

A girl transforms her imagination into groundbreaking fashion, redefining beauty and creativity.

Merry Christmas, Strega Nona

Ages 4–7 · 1986

A surprise Christmas party for Strega Nona goes awry.

Papa Piccolo

Ages 4–8 · 1992

A tomcat's discovery challenges his carefree life and independence.

The Brave Cyclist

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A cycling champion risks everything to save lives during WWII.

Strega Nona

Ages 4–8 · 1975

A magic pasta pot causes chaos when misused.

Renato and the Lion

Ages 5–7 · 2017

A boy's bond with a stone lion faces the upheaval of war and relocation.

The Legend of Old Befana

Ages 4–8 · 1980

A lonely woman follows a star, seeking a child who changes everything.

Dodsworth in Rome

Ages 6–9 · 2011

Join Dodsworth and his duck on a whimsical Roman adventure.

Her Story

Ages 4–8 · 1996

Discover how a young witch's journey begins on a stormy night, leading to unexpected apprenticeships.

A Thousand Glass Flowers

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A young woman defies tradition to revolutionize Venetian glassmaking.

Browse by age

Italy Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about italy for developing and independent readers.

Disappearing Act

Ages 8–12 · 2020

A school trip to Rome turns into a spy mission with Mafia whispers.

#5 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$1599

Scorpia (Graphic Novel)

Ages 9–12 · 2016

Teen spy faces a deadly choice: loyalty or betrayal.

Pizza!
Sale price
$1899

Pizza!

Ages 4–8 · 2022

Uncover the global journey and origins of pizza in a fun, flavorful exploration.

The Girl Who Rode the Wind

Ages 9–12 · 2015

A girl races to uncover her family's wartime secrets in Italy's Palio horse race.

Lost in Rome

Ages 9–13 · 2015

Can Lucy save her aunt's pizzeria from sabotage in Rome?

The Hunt for the Colosseum Ghost

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A ghostly gladiator haunts the Coliseum. Can the mystery be solved?

The Mystery of the Pirate Ship
#17 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

The Mystery of the Pirate Ship

Ages 7–10 · 2016

Time-traveling mice must stop pirate cats from altering history.

Lights, Camera, Stilton!

Ages 7–10 · 2014

Time-traveling cats aim to steal the invention of movies. Can they be stopped?

All for Stilton, Stilton for All!
#15 in Series
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$999

All for Stilton, Stilton for All!

Ages 7–10 · 2013

Mice must restore the true king after impostors seize the throne.

The First Samurai

Ages 7–10 · 2013

A samurai showdown in feudal Japan as Geronimo faces the Pirate Cats' mysterious scheme.

Operation: Secret Recipe

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A stolen recipe, a cunning impostor—can the real thief be caught?

Sale price
$899

Thea Stilton and the Venice Masquerade

Ages 7–10 · 2017

A thief lurks in Venice's Carnival. Can the Thea Sisters unmask him in time?

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Books about father-daughter relationshipsBooks about identityBooks about books and readingBooks about diariesBooks about family problemsBooks about foodBooks about friendshipBooks about mother-daughter relationships

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