Young Reader Reaction: When I read this with my first graders, I needed to explain the meanings of many words. Because of challenging vocabulary - both in pronunciation and meaning - I recommend Blue Ocean Bob for grades 2 and up. Despite the difficult to sound out words (sight words), children will love the story and illustrations and want to grow into a better reader with this book.

Adult Reader Reaction: Blue Ocean Bob's message is that happiness comes from pursuing your passion, or more simply put, "follow your dreams." The beautiful illustrations in Blue Ocean Bob create a lively seaside world and the maps let readers track Bob's journey to Doc's Lagoon.

This is a great book for kids transitioning to the next year in school, or those who are starting to think about what their passion is. This book may be more suited for a teacher read-aloud book for first grade, rather than a student read book.

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The cover on this is very colourful and eye catching, whilst giving a sense of calm also. The font the book uses is fairly big, so it makes a change. Bob doesn't know how to be content, and wants more from life, so with the aid of his friend, Xena, a gorgeously coloured hummingbird, he embarks on a journey of self discovery.

The motto on the back of the book is 'Think it. See it. Believe it. Achieve it.' This statement is echoed within the pages, as Bob searches to find more meaning in his life. Whilst this may sound a difficult concept to put forward to children, Brooks Olbrys has done a great job in making this child friendly. The book is a rhyming one, which is a big favourite in our household, and this one proved no different. The illustrations are beautifully done, inviting the reader to come on a voyage of discovery with Bob, as he visits the dolphins, and Doc, the elderly turtle to discover what it is he truly desires.

My favourite quote within the pages is:
'Decide what you love, what excites and inspires -
then make that your purpose and watch what transpires.'

The favourite illustration in the book for our young reviewers was one in which Doc the turtle sits at his desk, giving wisdom on problems, whilst Bob waits his turn. Doc is also their favourite character, bringing in wisdom and insight for Bob.

I look forward to reading more from this author. This is the first book I've come across which imparts a sense of positive thinking and gives life lessons for children, I hope there's many more to come (NB, currently not available on Amazon UK). ( )

Blue Ocean Bob, is a boy who knows there is much more for him to accomplish in life so he sets off on a journey. His friend Xena the hummingbird goes with him as he travels the ocean and asks various sea animals what their secret to happiness and contentment in life is. They advise him to find what he is most passionate about and to jump into it with everything he has. It is then he realizes the thing he is most passionate about is protecting the creatures in the sea and so he makes it his life’s dream to pursue. This is a wonderful and motivational book that is great for any child (or adult). Such a simple message told in such a beautiful way. ( )

THE ADVENTURES OF BLUE OCEAN BOB: BLUE OCEAN BOB DISCOVERS HIS PURPOSE by Brooks Olbrys is a Children's read. It is well written with wonderful illustrations. It is easy to follow. It gives children positive lessons to follow their dreams. For they have purpose in this life also. It is an encouraging story for all ages. My grandchildren who are 6 and 9 enjoyed the story and awaiting the next in this wonderful series. Blue Ocean Bob is to be the beginning of a delightful series. This book was received for review from Bostick Communications and the author and details can be found at Children's Sucess Unlimited,LLC and My Book Addiction and More. ( )