"The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: The Journey Begins" by Brooks Olbrys & Illustrated by Kevin Keele

ISBN-13: 978-0982961346

About the book: Despite his idyllic island life, young Bob yearns for a greater sense of fulfillment. With his guardian, Xena the hummingbird, at his side, Bob sets out to seek guidance from the wise and happy creatures of the sea.

From the joyful secrets of Al the dolphin to the insightful advice of Doc the turtle, Earl the clam and Wallace the walrus, Bob uncovers great wisdom.  But to complete his journey, he’ll need to overcome his fears - and Xena’s doubts - and prove himself to Mary Marine, the Island of Roses’s leading marine biologist.

The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Journey Begins is the first episode of a colorful, early chapter book series that provides children with an invaluable introduction to timeless principles of achievement. (from Goodreads.com)

My thoughts:  I grew up near the sea on the North Carolina coastline and can identify with the rolling waves, breezes, and joy experienced by Bob in this lushly illustrated early chapter book for young readers. The author brings a delightful child to the readers of the book.  A child just like his or herself that needs that little jolt to nudge him forth in the world to reach out and make decisions.  Decisions that could lead to achievement of joyous goals in life. 

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.....................
            (and then later in the book)
"Finding your purpose is only the start.
Every good sailor must follow a chart.
So I'll tell you the next thing that you have to do:
Develop a vision and follow it through."

I see the sea friends that Bob finds who give him guidance as he finds what he can achieve in life as really cute personifications of the parents, teachers, and other adults and friends in life who will cheer the child on guiding and encouraging him to learn more, do more, and achieve more.  Some individuals are seemingly gifted in motivation and drive, others are not and need friends along the way to motivate them.  Bob has found them.

The story is beautifully presented in lyrical rhyme and it is amazing that it doesn't get awkward at points as some story-rhymes seem to do.  The author does this well and it is a way to teach vocabulary (rhymes always help in remembering words), rhyme and cadence in writing and speech, and a way to engage the attention of the child (or adult) reading the story. I think this is a good book for children ages 5 to 12 (some to be read to, some to read it themselves).

I look forward to the author's next book in this early chapter book series for young readers featuring Blue Ocean Bob (or maybe a friend). 

On another note, while I agree with the book's principals that we can achieve what we set out to do, I also am a Christian and believe that God guides and leads us.  I know that God sends others along to motivate, teach, encourage, guide us just as Blue Ocean Bob had help.  I also believe that our "guardian" would be the inner conscious and leading of the Holy Spirit encouraging us or discouraging us to follow that which is best for us. 

GIVEAWAY: The author has graciously provided the opportunity for one of Chat With Vera's readers to receive a copy of The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: The Journey Begins by using the Rafflecopter form below to enter.  Begins March 18 and ENDS April 3 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT. Open to USA mainland residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

What's up next?  According to author, Brooks Olbrys, the next book is in the editing process right now.  Then it goes to an illustrator this summer or early fall.  What's it about?  It continues with Bob and his role as an assistant marine biologist and, like the first book, each chapter treats a different principle.  In the next book, those principles are confidence, communication, gratitude, responsibility, and success.  Release date expectation (very rough) would be late spring 2014.  I am really looking forward to this book.

About the author: Brooks Olbrys - As a lifelong student of achievement philosophies, Brooks Olbrys was inspired by his young son to make these philosophies accessible to children. With encouragement from best-selling author and personal development coach Bob Proctor, Brooks created the children’s book series, The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob.

A graduate of Stanford University, the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts, and the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, Brooks is the founder of Children’s Success Unlimited and a managing director at investment bank Ion Partners. He lives with his wife and son in New York City and greatly enjoys escapes to the North and South American coastlines.

About the illustrator: From a young age, Kevin Keele has enjoyed creating artwork in many forms: drawing, oil painting, digital painting, even stained glass. His work has been featured in numerous picture books, magazines, board games, and video games. Though he lives far from any coastlines, he has always been fascinated by the ocean and enjoys illustrating its various creatures.

Kevin is currently an artist for Disney Interactive Studios. He lives in Utah with his wife and two sons. They’re the caretakers of one grouchy cat, three chickens, and thousands of Italian honeybees.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for my honest review. A copy is also provided by the author directly to the winner of the giveaway.  Opinions expressed are solely those of the author.Images and book and bio information were obtained from author sites.