Debut author Verena Zannantoni delivers a hilarious tale of adventure and mishap, beautifully written in rhyme and brought to life by illustrator Henk van der Gugten. With its underlying message to listen and take things slow, plus kid-friendly travel tips from the native Italian author, this book is an entertaining and educational experience.
Meet
Helma
Her
Friends
Helma the Helicopter
It’s Helma’s first day as a rescue helicopter and in all her excitement she completely forgets everything she learned in helicopter school!
Bernie the Bernese Mountain Dog
He is Helma’s best friend though she likes to put their friendship to the test. Can he teach her to take things slow?
Mimi the Marmot
Can you hear Mimi whistle? It means someone needs help!
Bella the Cat
Bella is a fancy, cool and collected city cat - unless someone interrupts her catuccino and croissant breakfast.
Tino the TrouT
Tino is a fish out of water when he gets too excited on the big swing.
Tony the Goat
Tony loves to explore the mountains, and every trail he hikes is an adventure.
Walter the Woodpecker
Watch out for this cheeky bird! Once Walter sets his eyes on something he loves, there’s no stopping him.
If you ever find yourself in Italy or plan on visiting, you should stop by in South Tyrol, its northernmost province - Helma’s hometown and my place of birth.
Nestled in between breathtaking peaks of the Dolomites (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and valleys of the Italian Alps, the region is at the confluence of Austrian culture and Italian “dolce vita”, boasting a unique variety of history, architecture and traditions.
South Tyrol is a top wine producing place, a celebrated culinary and wellness destination, and home to over 800 castles, more than any other area in Europe.
And above all, it is child-friendly.
City of Merano
This small and stunning spa town is known for its beautiful weather (300 days of sunshine a year!) and its palm trees that stand in contrast to towering peaks reaching 3,000 meters. Here, you can find both relaxation, a focus on well-being and a wide variety of activities for kids and adults alike.The practice of visiting Merano for health-related purposes has a long-standing tradition, and the architectural remnants from this illustrious era continue to exist in their original grandeur. Nevertheless, the timeless Mediterranean way of life thrives in this region.
Lake Prags
This lake is nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, and is undeniably one of Italy's most stunning lakes, boasting a brilliant blue hue.Aptly referred to as the "pearl of the Dolomites lakes," this pristine body of water, cradled by steep rocky cliffs and nestled at the base of Mt. Seekofel (2,810 meters), harmoniously blends into the picturesque Dolomites landscape with its crystal-clear mountain waters.
*Please note that the lake can get busy so it’s best to visit early in the morning!
Dolomites
In the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, you'll encounter numerous awe-inspiring peaks, as well as glistening mountain lakes, serene forested areas, and vibrant individuals who embody the essence of mountain living. You’ll uncover a realm brimming with extraordinary natural marvels waiting to be discovered.
