"It all started on a completely normal evening with my son. We were sitting next to each other on the sofa, a picture book on our knees. He enthusiastically pointed at the excavators: crawler excavators, shovels, demolition excavators. And me? I was amazed too. I realized how much I, as a dad, was learning from them, and how much knowledge, wonder, and little aha moments such books contain, for children and adults alike.
It was at this very moment that the idea was born:
If a picture book arouses so much curiosity, why not also for our trails and nature in Graubünden? Why not a book that combines the joy of discovery with the message of Fairtrail?
Because coexistence – the respectful coexistence of hikers, bikers, forests, wildlife, and alpine farming – doesn't begin with rules. It begins with joy. With wonder at what surrounds us. "You only love what you know. And you only protect what you love," Nobel Prize winner Konrad Lorenz once said. This is precisely what this picture book aims to enable.
The idea was immediately met with open arms. Tourism partners were enthusiastic and supported the project. Public transport was also on board, as were representatives of Graubünden's culture and cuisine. And the Trimarca agency in Graubünden began drawing vibrant scenes centered around the Fairnandez family: mountain landscapes, animals, encounters along the trails – colorful, vibrant, and rich in detail. Numerous wishes and concerns had to be considered and coordinated. To ensure every detail was perfect, an expert examined the drawn animals and plants. In total, the illustrator worked around 800 hours on the seven double-page spreads.
The Fairnandez family will be part of the Fairtrail campaign 2024–2027. Along with Nino Schurter, posters, Fairdinands, bells, and specialized materials, they invite youngsters—and their parents—to discover the world of trails through play.
A little secret: Allegra has sneaked into the book herself. Who will find the hidden clue?
It's almost here: Our hidden object book "Out and About in the Grisons Mountains" is available. You can pre-order it today at fairtrail-wimmelbuch.ch and in bookstores.
Give your child—and yourself—an eye for wonder, for discovery, for togetherness. Because what we know, we love. And what we love, we protect.
It was a challenging project, and we learned a lot. Nevertheless, I would do it again anytime. And I'm already looking forward to looking at the finished picture book with my son—and marveling together at jays, sandpipers, and much more."
Fairtrail stands for respectful behavior in nature. We are committed to the harmonious coexistence of people, animals, and the landscape – on hiking trails, bike trails, and in everyday life.
Do you have questions about the picture book or would you like to share your thoughts on Fairtrail with us? Our project manager Kevin is happy about the exchange.
