The Secret of the Wildflowers: local CB resident writes his fourth children’s book

Proceeds going to Wildflower Festival

By Katherine Nettles

Former Gunnison Valley Health CEO Rob Santilli has written his fourth children’s book, Crested Butte: The Secret of the Wildflowers, which was released this summer just prior to the area’s renown Wildflower Festival. Santilli has been inspired by his young grandson Jackson, who stars in each of his books so far while exploring the beauty and wonders of the Gunnison Valley.

Santilli retired from his role with Gunnison Valley Health in 2022 and has embraced retirement while spending time with his grandchildren and finding an outlet for creativity. His prior children’s books, It’s Bright at Night in Crested Butte, The Miracle of Rose Tree Festival of Lights and Kids Can Do Anything, dig into the mystique of CB’s deep, dark skies and endless stars, the challenging times and heroic efforts of medical professionals during COVID and the marvels of youth, respectively.

In his latest work, Santilli partnered with Crested Butte Wildflower Festival executive director David Kish whose wildflower photography plays a prominent role in the book. Santilli and his grandson explore many of the North Valley’s major river drainages and popular hikes while discovering the wildflowers that abound throughout the summer season. Jackson learns about many of the unique features of the area that contribute to making it such a wildflower haven. 

“The book brings to life the beauty of the Crested Butte wildflowers and why Crested Butte achieved the designation of the Wildflower Capitol of Colorado. It underscores the real secret of the wildflowers – our community,” writes Santilli of his new project.

While Jackson is the oldest grandchild at six years old, and came to Crested Butte for his first summer visit in 2024, Santilli says his other grandchildren, as they approach the age in which they can also explore with him, may just provide him with additional inspiration for yet more books ahead. 

Santilli says The Secret of the Wildflowers was available for purchase during the Wildflower Festival in July, and sold out quickly with all proceeds going to the festival. He says he has sometimes brought copies along to his local pickleball games, where they have also been a hit. He will be at the Crested Butte Museum on August 1 and then Townie Books on August 9 for book signings, and the book is also available on Amazon.