The idea sprouted years ago, well before Adrian Bambini met his wife, Linda. It was a simple, yet profound concept: teaching children about botany by comparing the structure of tree families to human family trees.
Today, that seed has grown into “Let’s Talk Trees,” a vibrant, 68-page children’s book co-authored by the couple that is quickly gaining traction for its educational yet entertaining blend of facts, riddles, and interactive activities.
Geared toward children in grades K-5, the book is narrated by Barkley, a tulip poplar, which happens to be the state tree of Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee. Barkley guides young readers to use their senses to discover the surprising similarities and differences between his tree kin and the reader’s own relatives.
“Children, parents, and teachers alike will find ‘Let’s Talk Trees’ both educational as well as entertaining,” said co-author Linda Bambini.
The book is rich with content that goes beyond simple recall, including tree trivia, a listing of National Champion Trees and all 50 State Trees, and activities designed to encourage analytical thinking.
The book’s creation is a blend of two distinct expertises and a second-act love story. Adrian — a 20-year U.S. Army veteran, cancer survivor, master gardener, and naturalist at Saunders Springs Nature Preserve in Radcliff — provided the “brains” of the botanical content.
Linda — a retired elementary and middle school Language Arts teacher known to her former students as “Mrs. Preuss” — brought her expertise in engaging young readers, transforming Adrian’s initial draft into a comprehensive, interactive volume that includes a glossary, index, and letters from Barkley.
“His draft of the book was under 30 pages long, but when I entered the picture, my experience as a retired elementary and middle school Language Arts teacher kept me thinking of additions to the draft that would enhance his writing,” she said.
The couple, who met online six years ago at the age of 75, dedicated about three years to the writing and revision process. They began co-authoring just as Adrian was diagnosed with lung cancer — a diagnosis that made him add finishing the book to his “bucket list.” He is now, thankfully, cancer-free.
Adrian often brings Barkley to life during school presentations, where he portrays the narrator while wearing camouflage.
In a testament to their desire to help others, a portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Center.
“Let’s Talk Trees” is available for purchase directly from Dorrance Publishing Company, Amazon, and Barnes and Noble.
For more information about the book, including a video of the co-authors opening their first copy, visit their website at letstalktrees.org.
