Reviews and Awards
Literary and Design Awards
Blue Ocean Bob books have won 21 awards.
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #1 - A Journey Begins
- Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalist for Juvenile Fiction (2013)
- Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner for Juvenile Fiction (2015)
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #2 - A Challenging Job
- Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalist for Juvenile Fiction (2015)
- Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist for Best Overall Design - Fiction (2015)
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #3 - Into the Lead
- Academic's Choice Smart Book Award (2016)
- Foreword Reviews Book of the Year Finalist for Juvenile Fiction (2016)
- Best Book Awards Finalist for Children's Education (2016)
- Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist for Best Overall Design (2016)
- Next Generation Indie Book Awards Finalist for Juvenile Fiction (2018)
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #4 - A Secret in the Deep
- NYC Big Book Award Winner for Preschool/Early Reader (2023)
- Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner for Best Overall Design - Fiction (2023)
- American Fiction Awards Winner for Juvenile Fiction (2023)
- Moonbeam Children's Book Awards Bronze Medalist for Early Reader/1st Chapter books, (2023)
- Chanticleer Little Peeps Awards Semi-Finalist for Early Readers & Picture Books (2023)
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob Series - Books 1-3
- Parents' Picks Award Winner for the Top 10 Best Books for Elementary & Preschool Kids (2018)
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob Series - Books 1-4
- Next Generation Indie Book Award Winner for Best Series - Fiction (2023)
- Chanticleer Little Peeps Awards Finalist for Series Genre Fiction (2023)
Blue Ocean Bob Discovers His Purpose (10th Anniversary Edition) picture book
- NYC Big Book Award Winner for Children's - Motivational (2021)
- Chanticleer Little Peeps Awards First Place Winner for Early Readers (2021)
- Next Generation Indie Book Awards Winner for Best Overall Design - Fiction (2022)
Bob del Mar descubre su propósito (Spanish edition) picture book
- Latino International Book Awards Children's Picture Book Honorable Mention (2022)
The Blue Ocean Bob Series Reviews
''This excellent juvenile marine educational series works well on dual levels, to increase awareness of the need for marine stewardship and to work towards a goal using varied resources and keeping a positive attitude. A gently humorous note is added in the bright colored comic style illustrations.'' — Midwest Book Review
“We can all relate to the queries of youth that Bob faces. A wonderful role model, he holds the strength and courage it takes to not settle, to discover what is meaningful and sound. This insightful story invites us to journey with its characters, to learn with them. It is an inspiration for all ages!” — Independent Publisher (IP Notable)
“…a series that is sure to prevail." — Foreword Reviews (three-time IndieFab Book of the Year Finalist)
''Brooks Olbrys has done a remarkable job. Blue Ocean Bob provides young minds with positive precepts and powerful lessons that will serve them for the rest of their lives.'' — Bob Proctor, bestselling author, You Were Born Rich and The ABCs of Success
“… a truly amazing and creative “hero’s journey” for children….It is wonderful for all ages!” — Mary Morrissey, best-selling author of No Less Than Greatness and Building Your Field of Dreams
“Blue Ocean Bob empowers children to cultivate proactive attitudes, to value themselves and confidently tap into their inherent gifts for making their dreams come true.” — Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith, author of Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential
“The deepest desire we have as parents is to help our children build character, confidence, kindness, and enthusiasm. Your children will love these delightful stories, and the simple but profound principles they reveal will be with them for a lifetime.” — Brian Biro, Author of Beyond Success
“The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob series teaches important lessons. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. By using words and art, the books will especially entertain children who will one day become our future.'' — Don M. Green, Executive Director, Napoleon Hill Foundation
''I love the use of rhyme and rhythm--that not only helps to engage the young reader-listener but also prepares the way for other poetry.'' — Nancy Huddleston Packer, Professor of English Emeritus, Stanford University
“The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob series is destined for greatness. What better way to prepare our children for personal success than to take them on a trip through the power of their minds and imaginations. Thumbs up, bon voyage, a new children’s classic has been birthed!” — Cynthia Brian, New York Times best-selling author, TV/Radio host, and Founder of the literacy charity Be the Star You Are!
“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. 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.” — Patricia T., Goodreads
Blue Ocean Bob Discovers His Purpose (picture book)
''Blue Ocean Bob Discovers His Purpose is an inspirational, versed, illustrated life-goals guide book for kids based on the philosophy and teachings of Bob Proctor, Napoleon Hill and Earl Nightingale.'' — Children's Bookwatch: Reviewers Choice
''This is a little book but one that packs a big punch of wisdom. All of us in our lives want to be fulfilled and happy, but many never find the way. In this book, wisdom is given wrapped in a charming rhyme, upbeat story. Brought to life with colorful, bold, illustrations. Wisdom indeed will be found that will last your child a lifetime. Very well done, recommended. — Midwest Book Reviews Book Watch: Shirley's Bookshelf
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #1: A Journey Begins (early chapter book)
"Brooks Olbrys understands the affinity children have for rhyming stories and proves to be a master at writing really fine rhyming lines….The story is well written, extravagantly illustrated….This is award caliber work and a book that belongs in every home. Highly Recommended." — Grady Harp, Amazon.com Hall of Fame Reviewer
“I feel drawn to this book because of what it teaches children: the basic principle of following through, persevering, and achievement. Learned as a child, this surely carries over into adulthood. When something is completed, there is a sense of achievement. Passing that on to your child? Gold!” — Raven Reviews
"The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob - A Journey Begins" is a great book that is entertaining yet teaches children how to persevere, achieve and set goals. A very well-written story with illustrations for each "goal" that is easy to understand and follow. A fantastic read that I would recommend to all children ages 5-7 (+/-), and parents alike.” — Susan, Goodreads
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #2: A Challenging Job (early chapter book)
“The book is broken down into five chapters, each one focusing on an important life principle. Your child will learn about confidence, responsibility, communication, gratitude, and success. All very important lessons for our little ones to learn from an early age…. The illustrations in the book are wonderful. Full of color and fun characters - your child will want to jump into the pages and play at the seaside with Bob.” — PennyMindingMom.com
“The story is well-written poetry, and very encouraging for children to read. The illustrations are beautiful....I highly recommend this book to be in any library for character traits. Bob is a wonderful example of determination and resourcefulness. This book is easily five stars.” — Selena, Goodreads
“I loved how this book was full of positivity and Bob was encouraged to do things even if he felt he couldn't, and he never gave up. I liked how the animals had advice and wisdom to give.” — K&A’s Childrens Book Reviews
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #3: Into the Lead (early chapter book)
"We really liked the illustrations and the rhymes. It is so fun to read to children when you can rely on a rhythm through well-written rhyme! We liked everything about the book - from the binding to the illustrations to the story to the theme." — Academic's Choice Awards reviewer ('Smart Book' Award Winner)
“This is a book that will introduce and reinforce the concepts of working together, mentorship, friendship, helping the environment as well as showing some of the underworld life and ecology. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous with bright colors and lots of detail. The story is told in a rhyming way that flows easily and sounds lyrical…. I recommend this book to families, schools, and public libraries.” — Carla J, Goodreads
“An excellent way to introduce young readers to ecology, friendship, empathy, and purpose, through gentle and appealing rhymes. ” — Into the Abyss Reviews
The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob #4: A Secret in the Deep (early chapter book)
"Featuring the impressive artwork of illustrator Kevin Keele, "The Adventures of Blue Ocean Bob: A Secret in the Deep" is the fourth installment in author/storyteller Brooks Olbys' colorful and inspiring early chapter book series that introduces young readers ages 6-8 to timeless principles of achievement. While a highly recommended and fun pick for elementary school and community library picture book collections, it should be noted for personal reading lists that it is also available in a digital book format." — Midwest Book Review
Children's Reviews
"I love Blue Ocean Bob. I love how you came up with Al. I think the part where Doc rebuckled his pants is funny." — Ailynn, New York, age 6
"My favorite part in the book was when Bob was helping Mary take care of the whale and the other sea animals." — Jase, New York, age 8
"I like when Bob was in his boat with his bird and he never gives up." — Avery, New York, age 8
"I learned to keep practicing." — Adrian, New York, age 8
"From now on, Blue Ocean Bob is my favorite book because there are so many details and you are my favorite author." — Mia, New York, age 8
"I learned to believe in yourself." — Jahara, New York, age 8
"I like your book. It is my favorite book now and my favorite part is when the whale got better because he looks so happy when he swims." — Aiden, New York, age 8
“I learned to never give up. Never stop what you’re doing. Never turn back when it's too hard. Never stop reaching for your dreams.” — Dante, Colorado, age 9
“The books help me understand how to think about problems and how to have a positive attitude in any situation.” — Amelie, Florida, age 9
“I have learned to be thankful and to be passionate about my life. I also learned that I can be anything I desire.” — Isabella, Colorado, age 9
“I learned how to protect wildlife and our oceans.” — Phoebe, Minnesota, age 9