Polignano a Mare is known for its cliffs, its sea caves and its whitewashed old town. Yet some of its best moments happen indoors, among shelves and stories. The presentation of Penny e Palmy – Due foglie per la vita by Giovanni Abbaticchio invites children and parents to slow down and listen.
A story told through two leaves
The title promises a tale about two leaves and the life they share. It is a picture of friendship and growing up, told in a way young readers can follow.
The book is written for children and parents together. That shapes the whole event: it is meant to be shared, not just heard.
Inside the community library
The setting is the Biblioteca di Comunità «Raffaele Chiantera», a civic space built around reading and neighbourhood life. Expect a relaxed, informal atmosphere far from the busy lanes of the historic centre.
Events like this feel different from a bookshop talk. Children sit close, ask questions out loud and are free to be curious. Adults often find themselves pulled into the story too.
- Listening to the author explain where the characters came from
- Questions from children, which are often the most honest of the day
- A chance to talk about nature, friendship and growing up at home afterwards
- A quiet, shaded alternative to a hot beach afternoon
Making the most of the day
Bring a notebook or a few coloured pencils. Children often want to draw their favourite character while the story is still fresh. If you are curious, ask whether copies of the book are available, as authors often sign them.
Check the event post linked on this page for the exact schedule before you go. Local presentations can shift, and the information there is the most reliable.
Before or after: Polignano a Mare at a child's pace
Once the story ends, the town makes an easy follow-up. A walk through the old centre leads to the terraces over the Adriatic, where children can watch waves breaking on the rocks below.
Then stop for a gelato or a caffè speciale, a local treat of coffee, sugar and lemon. Families with energy to spare can continue to the pebble cove of Lama Monachile. It is a pleasant way to turn a short reading into a whole afternoon.
A free book presentation is a small event, but it fits well with what makes Puglia special: community, conversation and time spent together.