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Two children read books from the Who Was? series - Who Was Galileo? and Who Was Leonardo da Vinci. Their faces are hidden behind the books and they're sitting against a white wall.

‘Who Was?’ Books for a Family Trip to Italy

If you’ve got kids, you’ve likely heard of or read many of the books in the Who Was? series. 

I’m a mom of three (ages 4, 7, 10), and we’ve been reading books from the series for years.  They’re great because they satisfy many ages.  For example, older kids can read them on their own, younger kids can listen to them being read aloud, and the pictures keep kids little ones interested.  Plus, at around $4-7, they’re not hard on my wallet (and you can get many of them at your library or as e-books through your library!).

If you’re coming to Italy with your kids, an easy way to prepare for some of the things you’ll see (and to get your kids excited!) is to pick up a few of these books.  They’re also small enough that you can bring some of them with you to read on the plane, at restaurants, or in your hotel at night.

Here’s my list of Italy-focused Who Was? books.  I’ve divided it into the following categories:

  • People
  • Places
  • Other

I’ve also included which books to read based on where you’re heading in Italy. 

I hope you find some good reads for your family trip to Italy!

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Who Was? Books – Famous People

Who Was Michelangelo? – One of Italy’s most famous artists, Michelangelo was a Renaissance artist who painted, sculptured, and worked as an architect.

Get It If:  You’re planning on visiting Tuscany, especially Florence!  You can check out Michelangelo’s works in Florence, including his famous statue of David in the Accademia.  You can also stare up at one of his masterpieces on a trip to Rome – the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums.

Read about Visiting the Accademia with Kids

Heading to Rome?  Be sure to read
Best Things to Do in Rome with Kids
Our Favorite Gelaterie in Rome
Michelangelo Books We Love

Who Was Galileo? – Galileo Galilei did a little bit of everything, but he’s most well know for his astronomical discoveries. 

Get It If:  Your kids are interested in science and astronomy; if you’ll be visiting Pisa or Florence (check out his telescopes)

Check out
Galileo Galilei Museum in Florence
Leaning Tower of Pisa Tips

Who Was Leonardo da Vinci? – The true ‘Renaissance Man,’ this Leo did it all. 

Get It If: You’re planning to see any of his works while you’re in Italy.  He’s also got a network of interactive museums in Italy that are great places to bring your kids to see his inventions in action.

You may want to check out
Milan with Kids
Leonardo da Vinci Interactive Museum in Florence

Who Was Julius Caesar? – The Roman general left his mark on Rome (and Rome’s enemies). 

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting Rome, especially the Roman Forum (including his Basilica Julia), Monti (where he lived), and the Via Appia Antica (which he restored).

Who Was Marco Polo? – While your kids may know him best based on the swimming pool game, the explorer and merchant from Venice left his mark on the world during his travels in Europe and Asia.

Get It If: You’re heading to his hometown of Venice. 

Read more about
Venice with Kids
Venice with a Toddler
Venice Towers to Climb
Our Favorite Playgrounds in Venice
Going on a Gondola in Venice with Kids
Burano with Kids

Who Was Christopher Columbus? – Although he sailed for the Spanish crown, explorer Cristoforo Colombo was believed to be from Genoa (Liguria) in Italy. 

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting Genoa or your kids are really into explorers.

Who Is Pope Francis? – Learn about Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting the Vatican during your time in Rome or if you’re visiting Italy during the Jubilee in 2025.

You may want to read How to Avoid Crowds in Italy

Who Was? Books – Places in Italy

Where Is the Colosseum? – Read about the world’s most famous ancient amphitheater.

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting the Colosseum in Rome (or even if you’ll just be walking past).  Seeing the Colosseum will be so much more meaningful after you’ve read this book together!

Be a gladiator for the day at Rome’s Gladiator School

Where Is the Vatican? – A great read for kids (and adults) who are curious about the basics of the Vatican.  It’s full of facts and anecdotes that will enrich a visit to the Vatican (and Italy in general).

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting the Vatican while you’re in Rome.

What Was Pompeii? – Learn about what happened in the city of Pompeii when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.

Get It If: Your kids are fascinated by Pompeii or volcanoes in general, or if you’re planning a trip to the archaeological site.

You may want to read
A Day Trip from Venice to Pompeii & Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii with Kids
Mt. Vesuvius with Kids

More Who Was? Books for a Trip to Italy

Inside the Uffizi Galleries in Florence, looking at the doorway entrance to the Doni Tondo by Michelangelo.
Peeking at the Doni Tondo (by Michelangelo) at the Uffizi in Florence

What Was the Renaissance? – Read about the rinasciamento in Italy, and how the cultural movement brought Europe out of the Middle Ages.

Get It If: Your kids are interested in art or you’re planning on visiting museums with famous Italian art, like the Uffizi in Florence. 

Read more about
Florence with Kids
Florence with a Baby or Toddler
Florence with Teens

What Was the Age of Exploration? – This book isn’t Italy-focused, but it does include info on explorers born in Italy (like Marco Polo and Christopher Columbus). 

Get It If: You’re visiting some of Italy’s famous ports in history, like Pisa, Venice, Amalfi, or Genoa.

What Is the Story of Romeo and Juliet? – Learn about Shakespeare’s famous couple and their tragic story.

Get It If:  You’re planning on visiting Verona, the home of Romeo and Juliet. 

What Are Castles and Knights? – Learn about how castles changed through history, what the life of a knight was like, and more. Not Italy-focused, but a great read for kids who have an interest in castelli and cavalieri.

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting a castle (or even staying in one!) in Italy. 

Discover Castles to Visit in Italy with Kids

What Was World War I? – A general look at WW1, which includes some info on Italy.

Get It If: You’re planning on visiting the Dolomites.  The Cinque Torri (just outside of Cortina d’Ampezzo) has a WW1 outdoor museum. Friuli’s Cividale del Friuli hosts the Museum of the Great War, and the Redipuglia War Memorial is Italy’s largest. 

Read more about
Visiting the Cinque Torri
Where to Stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo with Kids

What Was the Plague? – Learn about the Black Death in Italy. Your kids will look at the Carnival masks in Venice in a different way!

Get It If:  Your kids are interested in plagues and pandemics.    

The Who Was? History of the World – Take a look at some of the world’s most notable people throughout history.  It’s very general, but you can see where some of the notable Italians (like Marco Polo) were on the world’s history timeline.

You may also want to print out
Italy Coloring Pages
Map of Italy for Kids

Walking through the WW1 open-air museum in the Cinque Torri (Dolomites)
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