Book Review: Children’s Series: Marvin The Golf Caddy by Harold R. Mann!

With author Harold R. Mann in the Marvin The Golf Caddy at the 2018 PGA Show.

Marvin, an abandoned golden retriever was transformed into Marvin The Golf Caddy Dog back in 2003 but I did not meet his creator Harold R. Mann until the 2018 PGA Show. By then Marvin The Golf Caddy Dog had learned the ABC’s of Golf, had qualified for Junior Nationals (2014) and along with his new owner Ted was just about to meet Molly, the girl who just moved in next door! Marvin The Golf Caddy Dog is a series of children’s books for all ages complete with two coloring books and an activity book. Plus there are now Marvin branded hats, polo shirts, towels, and even a Marvin head cover for your driver too. Now everyone can become part of Marvin’s family!

Tom Kerr's illustration of Marvin & Ted amidst all their animal friends on the golf course. Photo Credit: Mann USA, Inc.

Without giving away too much of the story lines Marvin wanders onto a golf course where he meets a young Ted and many wildlife characters—Henry the Hawk, Chi-Chi the Gecko Lizard (likely imported from Puerto Rico!), Rufus the Jackrabbit, Arnie the Deer, and Sally the Squirrel. Marvin teaches us how to be grateful for our blessings in life and Harold the Author presents a beautiful friendship between a dog and a boy that evolves on a golf course!

Here is what we call the 'trophy shot' in the golf broadcasting... MArvin & Ted with their Junior Nationals trophy! Photo Credit: Mann USA, Inc.

Another Tom Kerr illustration: Here is what we call the 'trophy shot' in the golf broadcasting... Marvin & Ted with their Junior Nationals trophy! Photo Credit: Mann USA, Inc.

A bonus at the end of the inaugural 2003 book is ‘Basic Rules of Golf for Beginners.” There’s only thirteen of them, the same count as the original rules of golf written in 1744. These are better and include ones for the health, safety, & well-being of all golfers. Rule No. 1 is ‘Always use sunscreen before playing.’ The intriguing story is well enhanced by the colorful and descriptive illustrations of Tom Kerr. I loved the part about Ted feeling a new spirit within while trying to qualify for the Junior Nationals. And oh yes, Ted is the golfer and Marvin the caddy. Hmmm and then along comes Molly… I wonder where she fits into the story!

Here comes Molly in Marvin The Golf Caddy Meets Molly! Photo Credit: Mann USA, Inc.

Stories for a lifetime and for generations! Now I know what present I will be getting my soon-to-be-born grandson! Golf and a way of life to pass along to the next generation! Who knows? One day at Augusta National Golf Club we might hear: 'Fore, now playing…' For more information and to order items please go to the Marvin The Golf Caddy website!