(As with Volume IX this was not self-published, being set aside when I started work on the 1000+ pun book “The Ultimate Book of Dad Jokes” with Ulysses Press out of Berkeley, CA. The “Ultimate” volume was published in mid-April and is available on Amazon and major book outlets across the country. Had Volume X been self-published it would have had a cover exactly like previous volumes but with this title.)

This volume brings us to the close of one delicious adventure in our family. What started out as somewhat of a lark seeking “the world’s worst joke” actually launched a journey through the minefields of words and their meanings that delighted my four grandchildren and me for hours on end. Humor has value as a stimulant for the mind, a respite from a world in lock-step boredom, and a healing salve for the soul.

I believe a pun is the “step-sister” of all jokes who comes out as Cinderella for the prince’s grand ball. It is sophisticated of form, sometimes complex in its unfolding, and always a delight for its play on words. In terms of subject matter our adventure touched on the life and mindset of cows, our first volume, and explored the world of the military, of musicians, and a smattering of degrees of “worst-ness” in jokes. A journey in part tongue-in cheek, part serious contender for the smiles and guffaws of readers, but mostly the spreading of dandelion seeds as fluff and puffs of laughter for anyone to enjoy.

For us as the creative team conjuring these missiles of mirth it has been a most rewarding effort. For me as the Jiichan/grandfather shepherding the team it has been priceless because these are my grandchildren and I couldn’t have asked for anything more fun or rewarding in our relationship.

I believe words are the most important element of language. One word carries great meaning and nuance, and can launch a mighty armada or soothe the savage breast; it can stimulate vast ideas and allow us to color outside the lines; one word has the power to move mountains or to bring us home at the end of an arduous day. Without words we have nothing; without words, we are nothing. And puns are those words that are the most fun of all of them.

Teiya (10 years 8 months)*, Xander (10 years 11 months)*, Venice (13 years 8 months)* and Casey (13 years 11 months)* have served well as my experienced illustrators for this series. They contributed artistry and fun through inspired drawings. We hope you enjoy your journey through the pages of this final gathering of puns and take away with you a chuckle or two or four to make your day of many more to come.

Gordon H. Nagai ~ Eugene, OR ~ Late Winter 2015

• Ages of my grandchildren at the time this volume would have been self-published…