cover image Golf-O-Rama: The Wacky Nine Hole Pop-Up Mini-Golf Book

Golf-O-Rama: The Wacky Nine Hole Pop-Up Mini-Golf Book

Bill Mayer. Hyperion Books, $17.95 (1pp) ISBN 978-1-56282-635-2

Fore! Miniature golf is headed for the bookshelf. This book (though the term is used loosely) offers a challenge to one to three players in the form of pop-up golf holes. Necessary equipment--two sturdy cardboard putters, three foam golf balls and a pad of score sheets--is included. Four different spreads, each containing inventive paper constructions (e.g., pyramids, bridges and windmills) open to form the parts of the golf course; Velcro tabs hold them fast when the pages are turned. A brief paragraph explains the object of each hole and its suggested score. While youngsters are likely to be intrigued by this smaller-scale version of a favorite game, they are also likely to be frustrated with the intricate shot-making that is required. Two further handicaps: the playing surface does not lie completely flat, and the foam balls lose their roundness when stored in their handy storage slot. Although the concept here is a clever one, the execution is not quite up to par. Kids already fond of the mini-links will do best to stick with the real thing. Ages 6-up. (June)