The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Journey Begins
Brooks Olbrys, Author
Kevin Keele, Illustrator
Children’s Success Unlimited LLC, Fiction, Mar. 12, 2013
Suitable for Ages: 6-10, Early Chapter Book
Themes: Ocean Journey, Finding Purpose, Facing Fear and Doubt, Setting Goals, Making Friends, Inspirational
Opening: “There once was a boy who lived close to the sea and daydreamed all day about what he might be. His island was lush and his life wasn’t bad, but he wasn’t content with the things that he had.”
Synopsis: Bob lives on a beautiful island, but something seems to be missing in his life. He sets out on a journey with his chatty hummingbird, Xena, to seek guidance from the friendly creatures of the ocean. He meets Al, a playful dolphin, Doc, a sage turtle, Earl, the clam, and Wallace the walrus. They all offer Bob wise and sound advice. Doc helps Bob realize his passion to protect the blue ocean and sea life. His journey to fulfill his purpose is only beginning as he has to face his doubts and fears. He meets Mary Marine, the Island of Roses’s leading marine biologist, who gives Bob a series of tests. She asks Bob to tag a blue whale and document its progress for 30 days. He encounters his first problem when his boat springs a leak. He feels hopeless. Xena, his guardian, is always nearby to warn Bob of danger. But with the help of his new sea friends, Bob learns to overcome his fears, sets some goals and develop a positive attitude so he can become Mary’s trusted assistant and care for the sea creatures he cherishes.
What I like about this book: Brooks Olbrys has created an entertaining and engaging early chapter book series for children. The book is beautifully illustrated by Kevin Kelle, whose breathtaking artwork of the ocean and sea life fills every page. Blue Ocean Bob encourages children to pursue their dreams. It will spark their imaginations and take them on a journey. The plot is strong and full of adventure. The characters are endearing and believable. Olbrys has written a charming book in lyrical rhyme, which will engage young children who aren’t able to read alone. Older readers will enjoy the important lessons about finding one’s passion and turning it into his/her purpose. This is a unique series because Olbrys has used “timeless principles of achievement,” to encourage children to dream big – Think it. See it. Believe it. Achieve it. Visit Oblrys’s website to learn more about the The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob , preview the first chapter of the book for free, learn about upcoming books in the series and click on the app.
.
Father-Son Partnership: When Brooks Olbrys began writing Blue Ocean Bob, his son, Nicolas, was four years old. He is now eight. I want to share a brief interview about their inspiring relationship.
Nicolas has been a great partner on my project. When I wrote the first five or six stories and was unsure about them, Nicolas was the first one to hear them. He would give me honest and insightful comments about the characters, action or rhyme. And we would brainstorm about new characters or storylines. His most helpful advice was, “Dad, that is pretty good, but it needs to be funnier.” The messages are important, but won’t get through if they aren’t fun and engaging for kids. We try to incorporate that humor into the illustrations too. Nicolas reviews every illustration and I always get his approval before giving the final sign off. Another comment I love is when he told me ”Dad, you are like a really, really good amateur writer.”
Nicolas also helped with the music that we needed for the trailer and app. We listened to dozens of samples from the internet and our app developer. I couldn’t decide. I told Nicolas if he would help me, I would make him an equity partner in the app project. That got his attention. He listened to the four “finalists” and chose one from an internet site. He said that it was “just too much better” and we went with it. Later, he asked me “Dad, if I had chosen the other ones, would you have gone with those? I told him yes, it was his decision. The music is perfect for the trailer, app and series. And it is great to have an in-house junior creative director.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 05:43:43
There is nothing like your child or grandchild to give you feedback! Sounds wonderful. What a lovely thing to grow up with.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 11:12:00
Niamh, I love the series Brooks has created. But, I also loved his collaboration with his son. What a great means of bonding between father and son. He’s honoring his son’s suggestions.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:02:21
The cover captured me right away. “Breathtaking” is right! The content sounds substantial, too. I’ll look into these. My youngest is the perfect age.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 09:29:03
Michelle, the cover is captivating and the illustrations beautiful But, I think you and your son would really enjoy the message. I love the focus on finding one’s passion and how you go about achieving it — children will enjoy the series.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 10:37:45
This looks like a great book! I like the cover and the rhyme. And a great subject for a chapter book series! Thanks for sharing this!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 11:00:47
It was fun sharing Brooks work. It is a beautiful book that encourages a child to dream.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 10:39:50
As you know, Pat, I do love these themes of finding your passions and following your dreams! I think kids are told they can’t much too often. And as a writer I am fascinated by a chapter book series that can float between the picture book age group and older kids. Brilliant!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 11:04:48
Amy, it is a unique approach for a book. I like your comment about the book floating between younger and older kids. It does that very well. Kids will immerse themselves in Bob’s world, learn but have fun!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 12:13:22
This sounds like a truly novel chapter book series. Very few are told in rhyme! I adore the names and heart the theme of facing fear and finding one’s purpose. Thank you for the mini interview, too.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 12:41:16
Joanna, I was hoping that you’d see this review. Thought about you and your love of all wildlife. This is brilliantly written. Emma Walton Hamilton edited the manuscript. Hope you have a chance to preview his book and app for free on his website. You will love it!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 12:56:20
I love the beautiful blue cover. It’s so well done.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 13:15:58
Michael this is a very well done series. The cover engages you immediately into Bob’s world. Thanks for stopping.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 14:48:57
This is a book I would’ve loved as a kid–I was drawn to stories featuring the ocean.
I also love the father-son partnership!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 14:54:05
Coleen, the book is an enchanting world filled with adventure and a strong message. Yes, I was very impressed with the relationship Brooks has with his Nicolas — I thought it was a powerful part of the story and wanted to share that gem.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 16:48:35
Patricia, thank you for that wonderful review and for sharing my story about my son’s role in helping me. He has been an inspiration and a partner. And children are so direct and honest that I know I am always getting good advice from him. I really appreciate you sharing Blue Ocean Bob with your readers!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 17:12:51
Brooks, it really was my pleasure. I was captivated by your chapter book when I read it. Being able to include your story about Nicolas was a real bonus. It also shows how you walk your talk when it comes to teaching your son. I hope many more people see your book in coming days. It has such an important message.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 17:14:12
Sounds like a fun book. Also, I’d like to borrow Nicolas for a few months!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 17:16:54
Genevieve, you would love the story. Brooks has created a fun world for kids. Great chapter book adventure. I had to share the story because it was so wonderful.
Mar 11, 2013 @ 20:00:28
That whole concept reminds me of when i lived in New Zealand. I wish I’d have discovered children’s stories while I was there. I read porpoise the first time not purpose
Mar 11, 2013 @ 21:32:29
Catherine, you should look at the free chapter of his book on the site. You would appreciate the rhyme. It is done so well. And, the message is so great!
Mar 12, 2013 @ 14:52:14
Will do, thanks Pat!
Mar 11, 2013 @ 22:48:18
Sounds great, and the cover is darling! Even better, if it’s written in rhyme, I can’t pass it up! Thanks for the review
Mar 11, 2013 @ 22:57:51
Glad you enjoyed the book. I love the rhyme. The cover is captivating. Am in awe of someone who has such a gift. Great book for kids.
Mar 12, 2013 @ 09:24:05
Sounds wonderful, and love that his son had a part in it
Mar 12, 2013 @ 12:10:52
Susanna, this is such a great story for children. I love the role Nicolas plays in this project.