 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Back to books index
Roman Mysteries #1: Thieves of Ostia 
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable
for Grades 4-7. The place is Ostia, the port of Rome. Flavia Gemina, a Roman sea captain's daughter, is about
to embark on a thrilling adventure. Set in a graveyard, marketplace, and courtyards of a Roman city, this
fast-paced mystery paints a vivid picture of the life in ancient times.
When the dogs on Flavia's street start dying, she is determined to find out who is killing them--and why.
Her investigation leads her to three extraordinary people: Jonathan, her new neighbor; Nubia, an African slave
girl; and Lupus, a mute beggar boy. They become firm friends as they search for the killer, narrowly escape
being kidnapped by a slave dealer, and uncover a series of burglaries.
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Roman Mysteries #2: The Secrets of Vesuvius
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable for Grades 4-7. Flavia, Jonathan, Lupus, and Nubia-friends and detectives-sail to the Bay
of Naples to spend the summer with Flavia's uncle, who lives near Pompeii. There they uncover a riddle that
may lead them to great treasure. Meanwhile, tremors shake the ground, animals behave strangely, and people
dream of impending doom. One of the worst natural disasters of all time is about to happen: the eruption of
Mount Vesuvius!
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Roman Mysteries #3: The Pirates of Pompeii
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable for Grades 4-7. It is a.d. 79. The Roman world is reeling from the eruption
of Mount Vesuvius. Hundreds of refugees are living in a makeshift camp, trying to come to terms with what
has happened. Then even more tragedy strikes: the camp’s children begin to disappear. Flavia Gemina and her friends Jonathan,
Nubia, and Lupus are determined to find out more and start to investigate a powerful and charismatic man known
as the Patron. A dangerous trail leads them to the caves and grottoes of Sorrento, where they encounter pirates,
slave dealers—and possible death.
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Roman Mysteries #4: The Assassins of Rome
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable for Grades 4-7. It is A.D. 79. In Ostia, near Rome, Flavia Gemina and her three friends-Nubia,
Lupus, and Jonathan-are celebrating Jonathan's birthday. Then a visitor from the past arrives to see Jonathan's
father. The next day, the visitor has disappeared- and so has Jonathan. When the three friends discover that
Jonathan has gone on a secret mission to Rome, they immediately follow him. Their journey takes them to the
Golden House of the Emperor Nero, where a deadly assassin is at work, and brings them face-to-face with the
terrible destruction of Jerusalem...
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Roman Mysteries #5: The Dolphins of Laurentum
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable for Grades 4-7. Disaster! Flavia Gemina’s father’s trading ship
is wrecked. Soon after he arrives home barely alive, creditors try to seize the house, giving them only a
day to find enough money to pay the debt. Flavia, her father, Jonathan, Nubia, and Lupus take refuge at a
country estate where they learn of a sunken treasure ship in the dangerous waters nearby. Lupus is sure he
can retrieve the cargo. But their enemy, the slaveowner Venalicius, is after the treasure too.
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Roman Mysteries #6: The Twelve Tasks of Flavia Gemina
by Caroline Lawrence
Suitable for Grades 5-8. In this sixth book in the series, Flavia Gemina has marriage on her mind.
Her friend Jonathan's sister celebrates her betrothal to Flavia's uncle, her father announces his intention
to find a suitable husband for her, and, worst of all, he becomes enthralled by a new woman in town. Flavia
convinces her friends that Cartilia must be a witch causing changes in her father's behavior, and when Hercules
comes to her in a dream, she knows she must solve the mystery of who Cartilia is and how she has bewitched
her father. This is a mixed bag of a book. While Lawrence does an excellent job of re-creating the customs
and daily life of ancient Rome, the mystery is a bit thin. Cartilia's intrusion and integration into Flavia's
family is abrupt, and the girl's dislike of her is extremely modern. A bigger issue comes with the fact that
Lawrence writes with the assumption of familiarity with her characters. However, if readers are willing to
suspend a bit of disbelief and figure out the relationships among the people, they will be in for a treat.
The glimpses of life from another time are fascinating, and the story moves quickly enough to keep interest
going.
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Rome: A Fold-Out History of the
Ancient Civilization
by Leigh Grant
What
a great way for 6- to 9-year-olds to experience Rome in all its glory, through this entertaining and informative
3-D replica of the humming city center of ancient civilization. Standing over a foot tall and more than four
feet long, Rome easily unfolds on a tabletop to depict nearly every aspect of Roman life in a series of dramatic
and detailed scenes.
It’s all here, including the forum with its temples, senate house, and courts
of law; the Coliseum where gladiators fight for their lives and crowds cheer and jeer them; and the hustle
and bustle of the street, including apartments and shops, merchants plying their wares, jugglers and acrobats
entertaining the crowd, and two-horse chariots racing over newly–built Roman roads.
The book is laid out accordion-style, with six panels on the front folding out into
full-color scenes. On the back of each panel, lively, informative text describes the functions of the buildings,
the rules of the Coliseum, the life of a gladiator, the class structure of Roman society, and much more. The
book also includes a complete time line of the important events in the history of ancient Rome.
(Click
here for price and order information)
Kids Go Europe: Treasure Hunt Florence (Spiral-bound)
by Ellen Mouchawar; Marvin Mouchawar
Treasure Hunt Florence takes your children through the wonders of Florence, motivating them to experience
the sites, people and culture. Wander through the Uffizi and Pitti Palace, stopping to scrutinize particular
artistic treasures along the way. Explore Florence's streets, counting Medieval Towers, or stroll -- or run
-- through the Boboli Gardens. This interactive travel book will keep your children interested and actively
involved in your excursions.
Why buy this book?...
- Written especially for kids
- Interactive
- Inspires curiosity...they'll want to sightsee!
- Wonderful keepsake and journal
- Compact size, fits into THEIR pocket (only 3.5" x 5")
A must for children or kids traveling in Italy.
( Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Kids Go Europe: Treasure Hunt Venice (Spiral-bound)
by Ellen Mouchawar; Marvin Mouchawar
A Reader's Review: "We used the Mouchawar's clever Treasure
Hunt during a recent trip to Venice and the kids absolutely loved it. The kids studied the questions prior
to our arrival (using a map to determine where in Venice would need to go to maximize their points) and pursued
the treasure hunt with remarkable tenacity. In addition to asking for factual information, many of the questions
require that the children reflect on what they see and articulate their impressions or ideas. Each outing
became an adventure, and they learned a tremendous amount about Venice in the process. The format of the book
makes it easy for each child to carry his own in a backpack or fanny pack. I wish we had similar guides for
every vacation!"
(Click here for an excerpt,
as well as price and order information)
Escape From Pompeii
by Christina Balit
Pompeii
for children:
"And then, in one terrible endless moment, they heard mighty
Mount Vesuvius roar. Its top exploded in a scream, and flames ripped upward to the sky. A massive cloud of
silver ash rose to the heavens, twisting and bubbling in every direction until everything was in total darkness."
If you plan to take your young children to the ruins of Pompeii, make sure they read
this book first. Tranio, like most Roman boys, likes to watch whatever is going on: tradesmen selling their
goods, ships unloading their exotic cargoes, politicians making speeches in the forum. But one hot August
day a very different scene unfolds. The ground begins to shake, the sky to darken. People run gasping for
air. Heading for the harbor, Tranio and his friend Livia hide on a boat and witness one of the most terrifying
moments in recorded history-the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of their beloved city, Pompeii.
Christina Balit's fictional tale is based on the latest research. With her dramatic
illustrations and a historical note, this story makes an exciting introduction to a fascinating subject.
(Click
here for price an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Kids Europe Italy Discovery Journal
by P.L. Byrne
The
Italy Discovery Journal helps children find an Italy they will love while they travel with their families
in Italy. The Journal opens their eyes to today's Italian culture with so much to enjoy: food, drama, and
a unique approach to life that makes Italy special. The author uncovers the goofy, mysterious, and strange
aspects of history and art -- things that penetrate the attention of kids. Most guide books focus on churches
and museums which can be monumentally boring to children who just don't have the historical perspective to
appreciate their uniqueness and beauty, making them sometimes unhappy company while the family tries to get
full value of an Italian holiday. The Italy Discovery Journal is not a standalone guidebook, but a personal
guide and journal for kids 6-16 traveling in Italy. It is an eBook that is intended for printing on a home
computer.
(Click
here for price and order information)
Italy With Kids, Second Edition
by Barbara Pape (Author), Michael Calabrese (Author)
Amazon
Reader's Review: "Thank you, Barbara and Michael Pape, for doing the research and sharing your insights in
this book that was constantly at my side during our recent trip. We read, and carried along, a few of the
best guidebooks recommended, but Italy with Kids is the one that was the most helpful. Without repeating the
well-deserved praise heaped on this book by a previous reviewer, I want to add some comments from our own
experience:
First, the book reveals information about many places and activities that we would never have found on our own. For example, instead of carting the kids through Milan, we chose instead to visit Vinci based on the authors' discussion of this tiny town nestled in Tuscany where da Vinci was raised. Our visit to the Museo de Leonardino in Vinci which is housed in an old castle, was enchanting to the kids who could come up very close to many of da Vinci's inventions and notes. The museum was small, extremely child-friendly, and best of all - uncrowded (and for Italy in June that is rare indeed).
There are numerous other examples like this, and the section on Tuscany where we were based for much of our trip is outstanding. What other book mentions Snoopy's, a terrific gelateria in Cortona? Our 7-year-old had the important task of "rating" the gelatos we tasted in Italy, and found this one among his favorites. The book mentions the best gelato shops in many towns, a welcome treat after a day of sight-seeing and hiking up and down the steep streets. Unlike many other guidebooks, such small details as Pinky the cat who resides in the Fortress at Sirmione on Lake Garda were mentioned, and really drew the kids' attention. Of course, as soon as we arrived at the entrance, they asked where Pinky could be found and spent a good part of this visit entertaining the good-tempered feline, allowing us to spend some time enjoying the views and reflecting on the history of this intriguing fortress. In fact, I doubt whether we would have spent time at Garda at all if we hadn't read the book, heading instead for the more popular Lake Como on which most other guidebooks focus. Just as the Papes' noted, we were among the only American tourists in Sirmione, and we enjoyed several days with Italian, German and other European families. What the book says is exactly what you will find, and its descriptions go well beyond what other guidebooks typically provide.
In summary, this book is an outstanding resource for anyone traveling with kids...or who is a kid at heart. I am now waiting for books to be written on traveling with kids to other European countries. They will have a tough act to follow."
(Click
here for price and order information)
Italy's Best With Kids
by Debra Levinson and Family
Italy's
Best with Kids welcomes you to an Italy not found in other conventional family travel guides. Debra
and David Levinson, along with their kids, Jacob, Isaac, and Ari, have stayed in over one hundred properties
throughout Italy, to identify the finest hotels, inns, castles, villas, and activities for families. Those
who have become accustomed to first-rate travel can now take their kids, self-assured, that it will be an
enjoyable holiday for all. Moreover, the guide contains a narrative journey, which provides an intimate understanding
and appreciation for the rich Italian culture. David and the kids have also contributed numerous stories with
their own unique perspectives. Whether your family members are seasoned travelers or first-time adventure
seekers, Italy's Best with Kids reveals how you can vacation with children of all ages, while never
escaping the pleasures and romance of la dolce vita.
(Click
here for price and order information)
Ciao
Bambino!
by Danna Troncatti Leahy
The author says: "With a four year old son and a one year old daughter, my personal goal was to write a book for preschoolers that exposed them to Italian language and cultural novelties, but was more than another picture dictionary. It had to be fun and engage the preschooler with familiar things from home, while sharing novelties from another country. Beautifully illustrated in original watercolor art, the 36 page book shares a tour of Italy through a child's scrapbook. Throughout the fictional story, the young boy and his teddy bear travel companion share their travel adventure, and teach twenty five Italian words along the way. Fantastico!"
(Click
here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Fodor's Around Rome With Kids: 68 Great Things to Do Together
The
book focuses on 68 terrific ideas for family days, from museums and puppet theaters to skyscrapers and parks.
Written by parents who live Rome, this book is smart about what kids like--and about what parents need. All
the details for planning are included: addresses, phone numbers, admission prices, and age-appropriateness. "Hey, Kids!" info
boxes provide fun facts and interesting trivia about the destination, and "Kid-Friendly Eats" features recommend
three or four places to grab a bite to eat nearby. Fun to read and easy to use, this handy little guide makes
it easy to plan an enjoyable, hassle-free day with children. A perfect idea book for every city parent and
grandparent, and an indispensable aid for families on vacation.
(Click here
for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
My Family Tree Workbook: Genealogy for Beginners
by Rosa Chorzempa, Rosemary A. Chorzempa
This is the perfect book to introduce your child to the complex world of genealogy. Simple and well-written, "My Family Tree Workbook" will help get your child started in the right direction.
(Click here for price and order information)
Learn Italian Together: An Activity Kit for
Kids and Grown-Ups, Ages 4-8 (Living Language)
by Marie-Claire Antoine
What a great way to learn Italian when you and your children are on the road! Developed by the experts at Living Language®, this book and cassette program includes 16 easy, fun, and effective language games centered around things you typically see while driving. Engaging songs, rhymes, and activities teach basic Italian words and phrases effortlessly. No previous knowledge of Italian is required.
Each kit includes:
Activity book with 16 games and activities
60-minute cassette with words, phrases, songs, rhymes, and more!
240 play & learn stickers
Teacher's Guide with suggested classroom activities
30 Foreign Language Achievement Certificates
(Click here for price and order information)
Let's Learn Italian Coloring Book
by Anne-Francoise Hazzan, Minerva Figueroa
Amazon Reader Review: "I bought one for my 5 year old niece and she loved it. Kids can have fun AND learn another language. You can't go wrong with coloring books! I plan to buy more!"
(Click here for price and order information)
The Diary of Melanie Martin: or How I Survived
Matt the Brat, Michelangelo, and the Leaning Tower of Pizza (Melanie Martin Novels)
by Carol Weston
(Click here
for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Dear Diary, You will never in a million years guess where I’m going.... Italy! In Europe!! Across
the ocean!!! I even have a passport. It’s really cool, except I’m squinting my eyes in the photo,
so I look like a dork. At least that’s what my brother said. I call him Matt the Brat. You would too.
Trust me....
When Melanie Martin heads to Italy on a family vacation with her art-obsessed mom,
her grumpy dad, and her little brother, she has no idea what she’s in for. As she discovers Michelangelo,
Italian ice cream, and poetry, she also realizes how much her family means to her. Maybe she won’t trade
them in after all.
Who Can Open Michelangelo's Seven Seals? ( Museum of Adventures)
by Thomas Brezina (Author), Laurence Sartin (Illustrator)
The latest tour through the Museum of Adventures draws young readers into a fast-paced
interactive mystery as they try to solve the riddles of Michelangelo’s secret chamber.
When the stone dragons on the rooftop of the Museum of Adventures menacingly spring to life, Mr. Tonatelli, the museum director, suspects Michelangelo’s secret chamber has been opened. It’s up to readers to find the chamber’s seven seals in a magical journey that introduces them to the life and culture of sixteenth-century Italy. As the readers explore a quarry of Carrara marble, visit Michelangelo’s studio, and eavesdrop on conversations about the controversial artist, they will need to decipher a variety of clues. This exploration of the Renaissance master’s art is so much fun that young readers won’t even realize they’re learning.
Thomas Brezina is the author of numerous internationally bestselling children’s books, including Who Can Crack the the Leonardo da Vinci Code? and Who Will Find Vincent’s Treasury of Colors? (both by Prestel). His more than four hundred books have been translated into 32 languages. He lives in Vienna and London.
(Click here for price and order information)
Italian for Children (Book & CD) (Language for Children Series)
by Catherine Bruzzone
Already a proven home-study program, the Language for Children series is making noise with this updated,
integrated book-plus-audio edition. Along with its charming visuals and lively activities, the series now
provides in CD format the stimulating sounds of language to entice preschoolers through primary graders into
learning a second language. Cute, catchy songs and the humorous, serial adventures of SuperCat are sure to
captivate the imagination and foster language acquisition. Each set in the series contains an 80-page full-color
activity book coordinated with two 60-minute CDs as well as a Parent/Instructor CD packed with helpful tips.
Together children and parents can master basic language skills, including making introductions, counting from 1 to 20, and describing objects. The perfect package for parents and teachers who want to familiarize three- to nine-year olds with foreign languages and cultures.
(Click here for an excerpt, as well as price and order information)
Teach Me More Italian (Paperback and Audio CD): A Musical Journey Through the Year (Audio
CD)
by Judy Maloney
Travel through the year, visit a beach, farm, enjoy a picnic birthday party, explore museums, celebrate
holidays. Songs include: Day-O, Going to the Zoo, Silent Night, Tingalayo and more! 45-minute audio and 20-page
book.
(Click here for price and
order information)
Let's Learn Italian Picture Dictionary
by Marlene Goodman
Created by leading educators, these colorful, large-size dictionaries introduce beginning language learners to more than 1,550 commonly taught basic words. Each Let's Learn Language Picture Dictionary in the series boasts 30 delightful two-page spreads that vividly illustrate the meanings of words. Fun-filled panoramas focus on scenes familiar to children aged three through eight, such as home life, the classroom, city life, sports, the zoo, and even outer space! Learners will love to revisit these detailed depictions of people, places, actions, and objects, each time improving their recall. Featured words are set off with individual illustrations and definitions to help learners at various levels build vocabulary. Includes an index and glossary of all the individually illustrated words. An ideal selection of first word books for parents and teachers who want to encourage second language acquisition.
(Click here for price and order information)
