New Illustrated Picture Book Brings Real Italian Village to Life for Children Worldwide
“Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno” by Giulio Gargiullo, now available on Amazon, offers a unique blend of fantasy, history and reality for young readers. Set in the picturesque village of Celleno in Italy’s Lazio region, the book takes children on a journey of discovery, ending with a QR code that allows them to see the real-life village through a live aerial drone flight. This innovative project serves as a model for regional marketing through digital storytelling and highlights the potential of children’s literature as a sustainable tourism tool.
Officially endorsed by the Municipality of Celleno, the book has been recognized for its role in promoting regional heritage, ethical values, and local traditions. The Ghost Town of Celleno, located just 90 minutes from Rome, has been named one of the 25 most beautiful villages in Italy lost in time by The Telegraph.
Author Giulio Gargiullo shares a personal connection to Celleno, where he spends part of every year in his family’s home. “My roots here run through my maternal grandfather, and I received Honorary Citizenship of the town in 2024. I wrote this story during a difficult period in my life, and both writing and creativity became a real source of comfort — a way to turn something hard into something I could give to others, and to a place I love,” he says.
The book is more than just a fairy tale. It encourages parent-child bonding through an interactive “look-and-find” game, and inspires families to plan a trip to Celleno together. It also serves as an example of how digital storytelling can promote lesser-known cultural destinations and support sustainable tourism.
In addition to promoting tourism, the book also teaches children important eco-friendly habits through its “Little Guardians of Nature” section. These tasks encourage children to become more environmentally conscious in their daily lives, from caring for garden birds to planting seeds.
“Simonetta, Ruggero and the Cherry Forest of Celleno” is a treasure trove of values for children and parents alike, promoting discovery, kindness and a call to action for nature. The book is available now on Amazon worldwide.
