When we think of popular destinations for families, Rome is definitely among the top of that list. The amazing history, popular sites, and delicious food are only a handful of reasons kids love it. Still, I think it’s good to prepare them for the trip with these, the best children’s books for a trip to Rome.
Let’s start off with the first things kids visiting Rome should think about, the language.
Children’s books for a Rome Trip
Best Language Book for a Trip to Rome
My favorite language book for kids to recommend for any destination is from the Teach Me Everyday series.
Teach Me… Everyday Italian
This book isn’t going to teach your kids Italian, but it will have them singing along and enjoying learning new phrases. Keep this on a daily rotation at home and in the car, and they may shock you once you land in Italy. There are two other Teach Me… Everyday books available for Italian: Everyday Italian and Celebrating the Seasons.
Children’s books about Ancient Rome
I don’t normally have a separate call out for books about the history of the city, but I decided to include it for Rome for two reasons.
- It’s pretty extensive – both the history and the collection of books about Rome’s history for kids.
- It’s all there. Unlike some destinations where you have to look to find the city’s history, traces of Ancient Rome coexist with Modern Rome.
So, let’s get your kids prepared for the Ancient Roman sights with these books.
Ready-to-Read: Romulus and Remus
by Anne Rockwell (Author, Illustrator)
I have a love/hate with the “Ready to Read” series. Mostly that I love them, but there’s something about the branding and focus on it being for early readers that gives it the impression that it’s not as informative. Don’t let that fool you, these books are awesome. Plus they help kids with concepts and vocabulary that they may have otherwise ignored without understanding.
See inside: Ancient Rome
by Katie Daynes (Author)
What I love about Rome is that “Ancient” Rome coexists with Modern Rome. Since that’s the case, I think it’s interesting to prepare kids for their trip with a view of what it may have looked like back in the day. Then they can compare and see what it looks like today. (And write their thoughts in a travel journal.) Also: it’s interactive.
Ancient Rome Ultimate Sticker Book
by DK
It’s not just stickers – it’s stickers with activities. Learn about Ancient Rome while having fun. Yes, the stickers coincide with the book’s activities – but there’s nothing saying that’s where they HAVE to put the stickers. So have fun and stick them anywhere that’s legal.
Picture books about Rome
KeeKee’s Big Adventures in Rome, Italy
by Shannon Jones (Author), Lisa Pliscou (Editor), Casey Uhelski (Illustrator)
Let KeeKee the cat show your kids Rome the way only a cat knows how. Ok, maybe not. But, KeeKee’s fun and it’s a great introduction to the Eternal City.
Madeline and the Cats of Rome
by John Bemelmans Marciano (Author)
Speaking of cats… The popular children’s book character, Madeline, is back. And she’s heading off to Rome. This is not written by the original Madeline author, but by a grandson and promises to carry on in the same tradition.
This is Rome
by M. Sasek
If you’ve followed this site or any of my Best Children’s Books for a Trip to… posts, you’ll know that if there’s a “This is” book about that city, I will include it. So here it is – a classic and a collectible and a fun way to prep kids for a trip.
Chapter books set in Rome for Kids
Ranger in Time: Danger in Ancient Rome
by Kate Messner (Author), Kelley McMorris (Illustrator)
Ranger is a golden retriever and a time traveler. This time he finds himself in Ancient Rome. This children’s chapter book will be fun for older kids getting ready to go on their own, non-time-travel, trip to Rome.
Guide books for kids visiting Rome
Mission Rome: Top Secret, A Scavenger Hunt Adventure
by Catherine Aragon (Author)
This scavenger hunt adventure made exclusively for Rome, will make a vacation to the city for older kids more engaging, fun, and memorable. People I know who have purchased a Mission, Scavenger Hunt book for their trips have always ended up recommending them.
Rome, City Trails
By Lonely Planet Kids
I like this series of books from Lonely Planet Kids. Because it’s Lonely Planet you know it includes the most interesting and well-researched travel tid-bits. And because it’s Lonely Planet kids, you know it’ll be fun, too.
Children’s books for specific Roman destinations
These “Where is” books give kids more insight into some of Rome’s more popular sites. Kids love this format. And yes, the Vatican is technically in another country – but it’s RIGHT THERE!
Do you have any must-reads for a Roman holiday with kids? Let me know in the comments. If you’re traveling to other areas of Italy check out:
