Little Tony of Italy

by Madeline Brandeis

He closed his eyes contentedly and listened.

PIAZZA DELLA SIGNORIA: FLORENCE

"It is early," said Anna's father. "We shall have a long time to read tonight. Shall we hear more about the cities of Italy?"

ST. MARK'S: VENICE

"Yes, and about animals, too," said Anna.

Her father laughed. "Perhaps we shall meet some as we wander," he said. "Listen, now, while I tell you of Florence.

"It is a city of ancient palaces! In the days of the civil war, homes of the rich were built like fortresses. This was to protect them from the enemy. Most of these prison-like palaces still stand.

"Florence is a city of art! The famous Campanile, or bell tower, reminds us of its artist-architect, Giotto. Here is a story told about the painter when he was a peasant lad tending his father's sheep.