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A heartwarming story about family and service
When his children come across an old box from their father's U.S. Marine Corps days, it reveals the man in uniform that he was and the pride and honor of what it meant to serve.
Join brother and sister Rhys and Lainey as they learn about a Marine's role in keeping our country safe. As the pair learn about the equipment, uniform, and terms, they also learn more about their father-and their own possible futures as Marines.
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A glossary and facts make this a wonderful learning story about famliy, patriotism, and service for families and educators of young children.
TESTIMONIALS
Do not hesitate to purchase!
This book goes far beyond a children’s story. Daddy, Can I Be a Marine thoughtfully captures the values of leadership, discipline, love, and service in a way that is accessible and moving. The author’s passion and lived experience shine through, making it both inspiring and genuine. A meaningful addition to any family’s bookshelf.
— Amanda Hodge
A Pleasure to Share!
I just want to stop and say what a pleasure this story was. My nephew, son and I read it together, and not only does it bring a sense of pride and admiration to our fighting marines, but it also makes children smile and love what they are learning. Awesome book and appropriate for littles
— Crystal
Get it!
By far the cutest book ever!! Bought it for our 5 year old and he loves to read it every night. Wholesome messaging and such a fun story to follow along with. Can’t recommend it enough!
— Amanda
A pedagogical and entertaining story for young children to learn about the US Marines
This picture book is a wonderful selection for military families and those families looking to instill a sense of pride, honor, and celebration of those who serve. Written from a brother and sister's perspective when they learn of their father's service in the United States Marines, it is also a perfect selection for classrooms studying career day and the armed forces. I highly recommend as a teaching resource and a family library offering.
— City Book Lady
Thoughtful and Engaging
Daddy, Can I Be a Marine?, by Ben Olbon, offers a reflective and heartfelt look at a father’s time in the United States Marine Corps through the eyes of his children. The story follows a brother and sister as they learn about their father’s service, discovering who he was before parenthood and how those experiences shaped the man they know today. The narrative highlights how military service can remain a lasting and defining part of personal identity long after active duty ends.
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The book’s greatest strength lies in its presentation of core values such as leadership, commitment, and responsibility. These themes feel authentic rather than instructional, making them accessible for young readers. Olbon’s personal connection to the story brings sincerity and quiet pride to the narrative. The children’s growing fascination with the Marines begins with simple curiosity about their father, which makes his service feel personal and inspiring rather than distant or abstract. This approach naturally invites meaningful conversations between parents and children about service, sacrifice, and family history.
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The illustrations by Alana McCarthy enhance the story with warmth and emotional depth. Details like the Marine Corps uniform and earned medals visually reinforce the importance of the father’s service. Expressive characters and carefully composed scenes help children engage with both the emotions and the message of the book. The inclusion of Marine Corps facts at the end adds another layer of value, offering informative content for readers who may be curious about military life or future service.
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Daddy, Can I Be a Marine? is a thoughtful and engaging book well suited for family collections and classroom use. It is especially meaningful for military families and career exploration lessons, providing a respectful and accessible way to honor service while strengthening intergenerational understanding.
— Literary Titan 03
This book is a heartfelt and deeply personal reflection on service, identity, and legacy. What makes it especially meaningful is that it’s framed as a conversation between a father and his children, rather than simply a chronicle of military achievements.
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Ben Olbon writes with sincerity and restraint, allowing pride in service to coexist with reflection, memory, and love for family. The book serves as a bridge between generations, honoring the Marine Corps and values such as brotherhood, commitment, and duty, while also acknowledging the quiet transition of these values into civilian life.
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By sharing his story, Olbon helps readers see the person beneath the uniform and the lasting impact of service beyond the battlefield.
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A touching read for veterans, military families, and anyone interested in how stories of service are passed down with meaning and care.
— Book Reviewer
What does it take to be a Marine? Could I become one? Could you? These questions and more are covered in the illustrative and insightful children's book, Daddy, Can I Be a Marine?
Some people know what they want to be at an early age. Maybe it's the fascination with a job, wanting to follow in a family member's footsteps, or a gut feeling that this is where they belong. For Lainey and Rhys (the author's real-life kids and the kid stars of the story), their dad chose to join the Marine Corps. He, like many other service men and women, had their reasons, as shared in the dedication. In Daddy, Can I Be a Marine? Lainey and Rhys's dad is in the garage, going through a box of Marine Corps stuff. Curious minds wanted to know, "What's the Marine Corps?" Readers discover what Marines call their cap. Hint: It's not called a hat. Children will learn about the garments soldiers wear and what it means to "serve your country." The author and artist deserve a round of applause for showing readers that soldiers are not limited to white men. History and current events show that a good soldier is not dependent on skin color, race, sex, orientation, or gender. It is for anyone who is "willing to protect others and keep our country safe from threats and unjust rules."
The illustrations of the children wearing their father's coat and combat utility blouse were adorable. The images of them dressed in these garments as they rode their scooters, while shouting, "OOH-RAY," put a smile on my face, and I bet it'll have the same effect on many others, especially Marine Corps families.
The story provides some information about the Marine Corps, but readers will gain the most knowledge after the story's end. Check out the 'Facts About the United States Marine Corps (USMC)' section to learn when and where the Marine Corps was established, what the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor symbolize, and details about the Officer's Mameluke Sword, the Latin phrase Semper Fidelis, and why Marines shout OOH-RAH.
Daddy, CanI Be a Marine? shows a man's pride in the USMC and his service. It also promotes diversity and inclusiveness, reminding readers that bravery, honor, and duty are not limited to one gender, race, or color. I recommend that your family or school read it, especially on significant days such as Veterans' Day, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, POW/MIA Recognition Day, Armed Forces Day, and many more not listed but that should be honored.
Amazon's recommended reading age is 2-9 years. While toddlers won't comprehend all the information, most should recognize the uniform.
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NEWS
Had the pleasure of being interviewed by the Ladera Ranch Boy Scouts about my experiences in the Marine Corps and the inspiration behind Daddy, Can I Be A Marine
about
Ben Olbon
Ben Olbon is a former US Marine Corps officer. He currently teaches as an Adjunct Professor in Concordia University’s MBA program and serves as the Vice President for Breakthrough Sports, an award-winning elite national sports program for youth. Olbon is the founder of a personal coaching and leadership development company, Outcome Elite LLC, which focuses on helping students to maximize their potential in sports and in life.
Now, Olbon has added children’s book author to his successes. His debut picture book, Daddy, Can I Be a Marine, shares with young readers what the United States Marine Corps is and does, along with defining the sacrifice and commitment required to be a Marine. He lives with his wife and four children and their two dogs in Rancho Mission Viejo, California.