Reading

Holidays by Destination Europe Italy Tuscany and Umbria Reading 

Rough Guide to Tuscany £10.99
Particularly for first-timers, provides pretty much all the practicalities you need, plus some background.

Charming Small Hotel Guide: Tuscany and Umbria Duncan Petersen, £9.99
The idea is to include only hotels with no more than 15 rooms in an attractive and peaceful setting. Listings detail whether children are welcomed, merely accepted, or if there is any age limit.