Buckaroo Bart’s Mission

For Bart Taylor, history isn’t something that belongs behind glass. It’s something meant to be brought to life for the next generation.

Known to many Oklahoma students as “Buckaroo Bart,” Taylor has spent years blending storytelling, education and humor to ensure the legacy of Will Rogers continues to resonate with young readers. Through his popular children’s book series, Taylor has introduced thousands of children to Oklahoma’s favorite son in a way that feels accessible and entertaining.

Now, with the release of his third book, Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration, Taylor concludes a beloved trilogy that also includes Will Rogers and the Great White House Sleepover and Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals.

The award-winning series has become a celebrated educational tool throughout Oklahoma and beyond. This year, Taylor’s Will Rogers and His Great Presidential Pals was selected as the official 2026 Read Across Oklahoma book by the Oklahoma Center for the Book.

Held annually at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden, the statewide literacy event welcomes young readers from across Oklahoma. This year’s theme, “America250: Telling America’s Stories,” celebrated the people and moments that shaped the nation.

Bringing History to Life

“For kids, history has to feel alive,” Taylor said. “Will Rogers had this incredible way of making people laugh while also helping them think differently about the world around them. I wanted these books to introduce children to history in a way that feels fun, relatable and memorable.”

Taylor serves as the Will Rogers Interpreter and Creative Curator at the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, where he has dedicated much of his career to preserving and sharing Rogers’ legacy. Over the years, he has also worked as an educator at institutions including the Gilcrease Museum, Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park and the Gathering Place.

Bart Taylor talks about Will Rogers and demonstrates his rope tricks at the Oklahoma History Center Museum.

Taylor’s admiration for Will Rogers goes back years. He was drawn to Rogers’ humor, kindness and knack for connecting with people from all walks of life. Today, he shares that passion with young readers through his books and school presentations. And while Taylor always hopes students walk away with a greater appreciation for Rogers, it doesn’t hurt that he brings along a few rope tricks, too. Inspired by Rogers’ days as a cowboy entertainer, the demonstrations are often one of the highlights of his visits and a memorable way to make history come alive.

Taylor’s approach stands out because he doesn’t simply retell history—he reimagines it for modern audiences.

“Most historians focus on the past, but Bart Taylor looks to the future,” said Meshelle Barnhart, teacher at Owasso Public Schools. “He authors the stories that inspire the next generation to follow in Oklahoma’s favorite son’s footsteps. He doesn’t merely archive history but revitalizes it.”

Taylor’s newest release, Will Rogers and His Great Inspiration, features illustrations by Greg White and includes a foreword by Reba McEntire and Rex Linn. The book explores the people and experiences that helped shape Rogers into one of America’s most beloved voices.

“How can we inspire kids if there aren’t books made just for them about Will Rogers?” Taylor said. “That’s what this series has always been about.”