With the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics fast approaching, Italy is set to take the world stage! Known for delicious food, high fashion, breathtaking sights, and a rich history, Italy is a wonderful setting for any story. These books will help both emerging and middle grade readers learn more about the beautiful country and provide an atmospheric read for anyone looking to learn more about the country sometimes known as "Bel Paese".
By Dan Yaccarino
New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2025. Picture book.
Piccolo is a shrew who lives in Italy. He loves making lists to help him plan visits to all his favorite places around the city! As he sets out on his adventure, his plans are quickly derailed as he helps one friend after another with various tasks. This sweet picture book will teach the importance of both friendship and hazelnut gelato.
Written by Micol Ostow
Illustated by Diobelle Cerna
San Rafael, California: Insight Editions, 2023. Picture book.
Based on the classic film, Roman Holiday, this story takes place in Rome and follows Princess Ann as she travels to the Eternal City. Things get a little interesting, though, when she runs away and begins an adventure with an American reporter! With beautifully illustrated pictures and a kid-friendly retelling, this book is the perfect way to experience the beloved story all over again.
Written by Uschi Müller
Illustrated by Brittany Lane
Berkeley: Greystone Kids, 2024. Picture book.
Based on a true story and set at the foot of an active volcano, Mount Etna, this picture book tells the story of Salvatore, a first time goat herder. Determined to make his papa proud, Salvatore is distressed when the goats are acting strangely. However, the goats and their innate instincts might just be the thing that saves the day!
By Ursula Murray Husted
New York: Quill Tree Books, 2025. Comic. 255 pages.
Mella, a young girl in Renaissance Italy, knows there is more in store for her than being a chicken girl for the famous artist, Sandro Botticelli. Though girls aren't allowed to be official apprentices, in her spare time, Mella has been teaching herself to paint. However, when one of Botticelli's actual apprentices discovers her artwork and threatens to claim it as his own, Mella must use her courage and wits to make sure she gets credit for what is truly hers!
By Brian Slattery
Toronto: Red Deer Press, 2023. Fiction. 432 pages.
Set in medieval Italy, Escape to Ponti tells the story of Bec, a 14-year-old boy on the run from his cruel slave master. With the help of an unconventional and dangerous friend, Bec must make his way to the free city of Ponti. With his master right on his heels, Bec must navigate the many twists and turns thrown his way in this epic adventure story!
By Hilary McKay
New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2024. Fiction. 148 pages.
Rosa hasn't been given the best lot in life, but despite everything, she still believes in magic. After losing her parents when she was four, she has been raised by her nasty aunt and uncle. When an unexpected turn of events gives her guardians a chance to get rid of her, Rosa is left alone in the city of Venice. Finding solace in the cats that become her companions, Rosa begins to see traces of the magic she always believed in.
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