“A book, an encounter”: the fair tale “Valter dei desideri” in schools

“Make a wish!”. It is a phrase that accompanies every child during the most magical moments of childhood: whether blowing out a birthday candle or spotting a shooting star on the Night of San Lorenzo.

The value of wishes: why it is important to cultivate dreams from an early age

Every child’s growth is fueled by desire. Desire is a choice, yet it stems first from a sense of wanting something. If everything is already prepared and mapped out, there is no room to explore, be curious, or imagine.

Desire is an intense feeling that drives a child to make a choice and then strive to fulfill it through a journey requiring time, enthusiasm, and tenacity. True desire is a process; it does not seek instant gratification.

It must be cultivated, without a precise recipe, and each child will find their own way to do so; over time, the wishes themselves, whether realized or not, will shape their identity.

The fairy tale "Valter dei desideri": story, values, and authors

The story and values ​​of Valter Baldaccini and the importance of wishes for children and adults alike form the foundation of the fairy tale "Valter dei desideri" (Valter's Desires), written by Loretta Bonamente, illustrated by Annalisa Beghelli, and published by PAV Edizioni.

"Valter dei desideri" is a modern educational fairy tale set amidst the alleys and town square of Cannara and the rolling hills of the Umbrian countryside. There, young Valter discovers a magical place, a magnificent tree, and a secret destined to stay with him throughout his life.

Blending fantasy with real-life events, and featuring intriguing characters, special encounters, and moments rich in imagination, the story takes children on a journey to discover how desire acts as a driving force for personal growth.

"A book, an encounter": an educational project for primary schools with Loretta Bonamente

The “A book, an encounter” project, promoted by the Valter Baldaccini Foundation, is designed for primary school students and consists of two parts:

• Reading and theatrical performance: author and actress Loretta Bonamente reads and performs excerpts from the story "Valter dei desideri", engaging the children in an emotional and participatory experience.
• Creative workshop on wishes: following the reading, the children take part in a short experiential workshop, receiving a kit to “plant” the seeds of their own wishes.

A thank you to the schools that have already embraced this educational project

In an age where everything seems instantaneous, "Valter dei desideri"  teaches children the value of waiting, discovery, and building their own dreams.

"Valter dei Desideri" is more than just a book; it is an educational experience that helps young children understand that every genuine wish can become an opportunity for growth, connection, and transformation.

The project “A book, an encounter” launched in April 2026, and we would like to thank the schools that have welcomed the initiative:

• Istituto Comprensivo Foligno 1
• Scuola Primaria Paritaria Parificata San Giuseppe
• Istituto Comprensivo “Melanzio Parini” di Montefalco e Castel Ritaldi
• Istituto Comprensivo Bevagna- Cannara
• Istituto Omnicomprensivo “Roselli Rasetti” di Castiglione del Lago

How to participate in the “A book, an encounter” project and bring "Valter dei desideri" to your school

If you are a teacher and would like to host this project at your school, please do not hesitate to contact us by emailing info@fondazionevb.org.

The initiative is free of charge for schools.