The Value of Humor: The Story of Will Rogers

In this installment of the ValueTales series, Spencer Johnson makes useful observations about the life of humorist Will Rogers (1879-1935). The book tells of Will's early life on the family ranch, doing chores and learning rope tricks to entertain his friends. Will learns to say funny things by talking with an imaginary rope named--I am not kidding--"Larry Ett." Will improves at rope tricks and telling jokes as he attends school, works as a cowboy, and performs in a rodeo. He becomes famous as he teaches himself and others to laugh at the world around them--and at their own mistakes. Like other books in the ValueTales series, this book uses a real-life person to exemplify an important value. It is suitable for reading by children in the later elementary school grades. A "Historical Facts" section at the book's end summarizes Rogers' life in a single-page bio form suitable for adults. Closing quote: "Will's humor made him and everyone around him happier. And what about you? You may not be able to be famous, but you can do something just as important. You can learn the value of humor. Then you can be happier, too--just like our humorous friend, Will Rogers." (pp. 61-62)

I have read every book in this series. They are entertaining and knowledgeable. I love reading them to my children now.