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Recently I acquired a nice set of Value Tales, just missing one book that I had on hand, now available for purchase on Amazon (complete 43 book set), which can be found here.
Also, I have a 38 book Value Tales set for sale on Amazon (Nov 7, 2021 update). Listed here: a 38 book Value Tales set on Amazon. My seller name is ‘BooksYouWant’. If you have any questions about the set, please leave a comment below.
As far as the 38 book set, majority are in pretty decent condition. I did not see any marked up pages after going through the books (such as scribbling, names written). Charity is a former library book with some marks on the copyright page. No tearing to pages noted. Cover boards of certain titles do show more off white marks (such as greyish marks, perhaps from general rubbing). Cover of Optimism is in VG or G+, showing some brownish specks. Some minor bluish marks on front cover of Courage, some noticeable greyish marks and a bluish spot on back cover of Giving. NO noteworthy foxing spots observed on outer edges of pages of the books. 34 of the books were acquired together as a set, which are in pretty nice condition overall. Around 4 books were acquired from another set I have including Fantasy and Helping, which are the larger hardcover versions (measuring approx 11.35″ x 8.75″, while other books measure approx 10.25″ x 8″).
Maybe you or your parents had these books back in the seventies. Each Value Tales theme leaned on a historical figure to illustrate a certain characteristic, enabling and setting groundwork for your child to develop these positive traits. You’d find them in the libraries of parents who home school, libraries in elementary schools, and Sunday Schools. As far as I know, they don’t print these anymore, but you can find them circulating on eBay and Amazon.
How do you Remember Value Tales?
Some may say they’re informative or empowering on a child’s developing mind and character. Others may remember these books as “weird”. Reason being is that along with the historical figure(s) presented in each book, there would pop up these personified anthropomorphic friends (eg. Jackie Robinson and a talking ragball, or a talking lasso in the Will Rogers narrative).
In my experience, their condition varies greatly. I once owned a withdrawn library set of Values Tales, and they were pretty rough. Otherwise, if you look around enough, you can score a clean looking set, with tighter bindings, minimal smudging and scuffs to the covers, and of course minimal (scribble) marks on the pages themselves. Really, you’re going to find the pages are usually in very good/ unmarked condition, but it’s the covers that really make or break it.
But if you’re more about the practicality (majority reading this probably are), you’ll get along just fine with a set of scuffed Values Tales so long as the story on the pages are in fine, bright colored display.
If you search long enough, you’ll find the complete Value Tales set- 43 books in all- but don’t hold your breath! The Value of Optimism is probably the hardest to find, and sells on its own for over $100 on Amazon! (See the live link here to see if there’s a lower offer). Incredible.  That was published in 1997, nearly the end of the Value Tales publishing run.
The Hard to Find Value Tales Books
As I mentioned earlier, there’s really no other Value Tales book harder to find (and valuable) than ‘Optimism’.
Generally, the later printed ValueTales (from the 90s) are the ones to keep an eye out for; for instance The Value of Overcoming Adversity, the Value of Commitment, Conviction, and Imagination (the Jim Henson 1992 version; there’s also the original Charles Dickens 1977 book, but its dime a dozen).
Value Tales Books- Complete Set
I have the complete ValueTales set I’m looking to sell. All 43 books. They’re in great condition. Most of the positive characteristics you can think of are portrayed in story form somewhere in these 43. Spencer Johnson and Ann Donegan Johnson hit a home run with this idea.
The bigger sets (24 books or more) are found on this specific Amazon listing.
For the complete list of Value Tales titles (most recent to oldest), see below:
Jacques Cousteau: Commitment (1998)
Amelia Earhart: Optimism (1997)
Wilma Rudolph: Overcoming Adversity (1996)
Cesar Chavez: Conviction (1995)
Arthur Ashe: Dignity (1994)
Mother Teresa: Humility (1993)
Michael Landon: A Positive Attitude (1992)
Jim Henson: Imagination (1992)
Lucille Ball: Laughter (1990)
Winston Churchill: Leadership (1989)
Florence Nightingale: Compassion (1987)
Captain Cook: Boldness (1986)
Alexander Graham Bell: Discipline (1985)
Terry Fox:Â Facing a Challenge (1985)
Maurice Richard: Tenacity (1984)
Thomas Edison: Creativity (1984)
Paul-Emile Léger: Charity (1983)
Sacagawea: Adventure (1981)
Jane Addams: Friendship (1980)
Albert Schweitzer: Dedication (1980)
Thomas Jefferson: Foresight (1980)
Harriet Tubman: Helping (1980)
Hans Christian Andersen: Fantasy (1980)
Cochise: Truth and Trust (1980)
Margaret Mead: Understanding (1979)
Johnny Appleseed: Love (1979)
Confucius: Honesty (1979)
Beethoven: Giving (1979)
Marie Curie: Learning (1979)
Mayo Brothers: Sharing (1978)
Ralph Bunche: Responsibility (1978)
Benjamin Franklin: Saving (1978)
Will Rogers: Humor (1977)
Charles Dickens: Imagination (1977)
Nellie Bly: Fairness (1977)
Elizabeth Fry: Kindness (1977)
Jackie Robinson: Courage (1977)
Abraham Lincoln: Respect (1977)
Louis Pasteur: Believing in Yourself (1977)
Helen Keller: Determination (1977)
Wright Brothers: Patience (1977)
Christopher Columbus: Curiosity (1977)
Eleanor Roosevelt: Caring (1977)
What’s Your Reason?
Were you read Value Tales as a kid and are now looking for these books for your children? Donating them to a library you grew up going to? I’d love to hear your valuable comments!