As families plan their travels to Italy, many focus on the well-trodden paths of Rome, Florence, and Venice. However, a new children's book aims to change that by introducing young readers to a lesser-known medieval village that is just a short drive from the capital. "Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno," written by Giulio Gargiullo, blends a fairy tale with a real destination, offering families a unique way to engage with Italian history and culture before they even set foot in the country.
The book tells the story of Simonetta and Ruggero, two children who embark on an adventure in a cherry forest, only to discover at the end that the village depicted in the illustrations is actual and visitable. The final pages include a QR code that leads to aerial drone footage of Celleno, allowing children to see the village's castle, landscape, and historic quarter before experiencing them in person. This innovative approach turns sightseeing into a story, where children can explore the places they have read about, making the trip more meaningful and exciting.
Celleno, located in the northern Lazio region about 90 minutes from Rome, is an off-the-beaten-path destination perfect for families interested in medieval villages and nature. Its abandoned historic quarter, known as "Il Borgo Fantasma" (the Ghost Village), has been recognized by The Telegraph as one of Italy's 25 ghost towns, described as frozen in time. The village's Orsini Castle overlooks the area, and its history includes the Gatti family, who controlled the town for over a century before the Orsini took over. Simonetta, the book's heroine, is loosely inspired by a woman from the Gatti family line, adding a layer of historical authenticity.
The book has received the official patronage of the Municipality of Celleno, and Gargiullo was named an honorary citizen of the village in 2024 for his efforts to promote it internationally. He explains, "I wanted children to enter Celleno through imagination and then discover that the place they have been dreaming about actually exists. If a family reading the story decides to leave the usual tourist route for a day and discover the village together, the fairy tale has completed its journey."
Beyond the story, the book includes educational elements that encourage children to become "Little Guardians of Nature," with simple actions like leaving water for birds, caring for plants, and picking up litter. This combination of children's literature, family travel, local history, nature, and digital technology provides parents with a tool to introduce their children to a destination before arriving in Italy, or to inspire a future visit.
For those seeking a children's book about Italy for a family trip, "Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno" is available worldwide on Amazon in both English and Italian editions, in print and Kindle formats. The story not only entertains but also educates, showing that Italy has much more to offer than its famous landmarks. By highlighting Celleno, Gargiullo hopes to encourage families to explore the country's hidden gems, creating memorable experiences that go beyond the typical tourist itinerary.
