The Joke’s on Ewe: Jokes, Riddles & Funny Stories Little David Told His Sheep

Paul M. Miller
Barbour Publishing, Inc. (2006)
ISBN 1597891258
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (12/07)


Telling a joke is a tricky art, and Paul Miller has made a good attempt at presenting jokes which are morally clean and normally simple enough for young children and older adults to enjoy together. In his book, “The Joke’s on Ewe: Jokes, Riddles & Funny Stories Little David Told His Sheep,” Miller pulls together jokes from many topics and puts them together in an easy-to-read format. There are funny, little joke-stories (viz., about George Washington), ‘Knock-Knock’ jokes, short ditties, and playful uses of words.

One of the strengths of the book is the ease of finding jokes. There are 15 subjects under which the jokes are pulled together. For example, under the title, “­Let’s Hear it for the Ewe-S-A: Star-Spangled Jokes,” the reader will find humorous pieces about politics, or people who live in a specific geographical area, or concerning the amusing word-pronunciations various Americans have. In another instance, in the chapter called; “Baa, Baa! Who’s There: Knock-Knock Jokes,” Miller has collected almost every knock-knock joke one can imagine, and not imagine.

One of the main weaknesses of the book has more to do with certain readers. If a reader is overly sensitive about jokes regarding personal appearance, people of other faith groups, or folks from other countries who misunderstand English, then there are times when the book might be a bit uncomfortable. The other weakness in the book has more to do with jokes than anything else. Some jokes are really flat and lack funniness, unless the reader happens to be one who likes a specific topic or style.

Overall, in “The Joke’s on Ewe: Jokes, Riddles & Funny Stories Little David Told His Sheep,” Miller’s effort at bringing laughter to people of different ages and tastes is a success. I have enjoyed reading some of the jokes to my own children and wife and watching their faces light up with laughter.

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