Best Kids’ Books to Get Them Excited for a Trip to Rome
Planning a family trip to Rome? One of the best ways to prepare your kids (and build their excitement) is through books! From fascinating history to fun adventures, these books will introduce them to the Eternal City in an engaging way—so by the time you arrive, they’ll be eager to explore.
Here’s a roundup of our top ten favorite books to get kids excited about Rome:
1. This Is Rome by M. Sasek
A beautifully illustrated classic, this book introduces kids to Rome’s landmarks, culture, and history in a fun, vintage-style format. It’s a great way to get them familiar with the sights they’ll see. Note: the vintage style illustrations are more appealing to adults than kids.
2. Horrible Histories: Rotten Romans by Terry Deary
No boring history lessons here! This hilarious book is packed with gruesome facts, wild stories, and ridiculous Roman customs that will make kids laugh while learning. Perfect for children who love humor and a bit of the gross side of history! One of our favourites.
4. The Thieves of Ostia (The Roman Mysteries, Book 1) by Caroline Lawrence
For older kids (8+), this gripping historical mystery follows young detectives solving crimes in Ancient Rome. It’s a fantastic way to bring Roman history to life!
5. Rome in Spectacular Cross-Section by Stephen Biesty
If your child is fascinated by how things work, this detailed book explores famous Roman structures—like the Colosseum and the Pantheon—with intricate illustrations that reveal what’s inside.
5. So You Think You’ve Got It Bad? A Kid’s Life in Ancient Rome by Chae Strathie
Ever wondered what life was really like for kids in Ancient Rome? This book takes a funny and informative look at the struggles of Roman children—like wearing itchy togas, eating weird foods, and living without video games! A great pick for kids who love fun history facts.
8. Ancient Rome on Five Denarii a Day by Philip Matyszak
What would it be like to visit Ancient Rome as a tourist? This imaginative and humorous guidebook offers a traveler's perspective on the city, packed with fascinating details on where to stay, what to eat, and how to avoid trouble with the law! A great way to bring history to life. Our top pick for strong readers (and adults).
9. Rome: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know by Lonely Planet Kids
Packed with cool facts, fun illustrations, and quirky details, this book answers all the big (and weird!) questions kids might have about Rome. From ancient traditions to modern city life, it’s an engaging and interactive way to get them excited before the trip!
10. Meet the Ancient Romans by James Davies
This colorful, engaging book is a perfect introduction to Ancient Rome for younger readers. With bold illustrations and simple explanations, it makes learning about Roman emperors, gladiators, and daily life fun and easy to understand.
Why Read Before You Go?
Reading about Rome before your trip will help your kids feel more connected to the places they’ll visit. Instead of feeling like they’re being dragged to “boring” ruins, they’ll recognize landmarks from their books and be excited to explore!
