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Oothar the Blue
Oothar the Barbarian is blue. He just doesn't feel like slaying dragons today. He can't bring himself to banish uberwraiths to the ninth dimension. His gauntlet of a thousand souls has lost its luster. What is a melancholy barbarian to do? Join Oothar on his quest for happiness and maybe find a new purpose of your own.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published May 2, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
June 28, 2018
ALERT: this fantastic book will be available on NetGalley until the 30th of June. Go download it! It will make you happy and won't take you 20 minutes to read.
Oothar the Barbarian is blue. He just doesn't feel like slaying dragons today. He can't bring himself to banish uberwraiths to the ninth dimension. His gauntlet of a thousand souls has lost its luster. What is a melancholy barbarian to do?
A depressed Barbarian? I'm in!
Oothar the Blue takes place in the Land of Carpoothia
His gauntlet of a thousand suns had lost his luster.
This book immediately reminded me of:
Onto serious things. I can really, really relate to this book because:
1) I love fantasy and barbarians
2)I have been in a mood like Oothar ever since I've had to write an extra week of exams, and some other bad things life always likes to throw at you in the worse possible times.
3)The drawings are unique, lively and colourful. They change to the mood of Oothar, which is a small detail that I love!
I know I'm getting personal here - but that's what this book is all about. What makes you blue? What can you do about it?
This concept is so beautifully and aesthetically unique.
Sometimes, you just don't feel like slaying a dragon. And that's okay.
Actual footage of me this week:
The reason this really, really resonates with me and deserves a 5 stars is because I can relate on a fundamental level. And I think many, many other readers will too. This little gem also provides commentary on when to stop helping someone - when to take a break to focus on yourself.
It also makes a statement that there are things that can wait - you don't necessarily HAVE to cook dinner tonight - get take out. You don't HAVE to do all your child's homework. You don't have to explore those caves.
Oothar tries to go outside. The thrill of banishing a horder of uberwraiths to the ninth dimension was gone.
No wraiths could help Oothar. I think this is commentary that sometimes only YOU can cure your blues. So long story short - Oothar was sick of feeling so, so down!
So Oothar takes out his frustration on ground, earth and dirt. So Oothar, by taking out his frustration in a healthy manner, ends up helping a bull in a bathrobe!!! It's random, but it really reflects how we should take out our frustrations. Taking things out in a healthy manner - like charity or offering to make someone tea - will make you feel better than just grumbling on.
And so, Oothar becomes a landscaper through exploration. And he prefers it over barbarian-ing. I think that this book is not a children's book, per say - it's for everyone. I think it's especially aimed at fantasy lovers. We're a complicated bunch that tend to get hit by the blues quite often. We're thinkers and character lovers! So this book is so important for all of us reading weirdos. And kids!
Thanks in advance to NetGalley and the publisher. NG, you always find the weirdest and most uniquely crafted books that speak to my soul
Oothar the Barbarian is blue. He just doesn't feel like slaying dragons today. He can't bring himself to banish uberwraiths to the ninth dimension. His gauntlet of a thousand souls has lost its luster. What is a melancholy barbarian to do?
A depressed Barbarian? I'm in!
Oothar the Blue takes place in the Land of Carpoothia
His gauntlet of a thousand suns had lost his luster.
This book immediately reminded me of:
Onto serious things. I can really, really relate to this book because:
1) I love fantasy and barbarians
2)I have been in a mood like Oothar ever since I've had to write an extra week of exams, and some other bad things life always likes to throw at you in the worse possible times.
3)The drawings are unique, lively and colourful. They change to the mood of Oothar, which is a small detail that I love!
I know I'm getting personal here - but that's what this book is all about. What makes you blue? What can you do about it?
This concept is so beautifully and aesthetically unique.
Sometimes, you just don't feel like slaying a dragon. And that's okay.
Actual footage of me this week:
The reason this really, really resonates with me and deserves a 5 stars is because I can relate on a fundamental level. And I think many, many other readers will too. This little gem also provides commentary on when to stop helping someone - when to take a break to focus on yourself.
It also makes a statement that there are things that can wait - you don't necessarily HAVE to cook dinner tonight - get take out. You don't HAVE to do all your child's homework. You don't have to explore those caves.
Oothar tries to go outside. The thrill of banishing a horder of uberwraiths to the ninth dimension was gone.
No wraiths could help Oothar. I think this is commentary that sometimes only YOU can cure your blues. So long story short - Oothar was sick of feeling so, so down!
So Oothar takes out his frustration on ground, earth and dirt. So Oothar, by taking out his frustration in a healthy manner, ends up helping a bull in a bathrobe!!! It's random, but it really reflects how we should take out our frustrations. Taking things out in a healthy manner - like charity or offering to make someone tea - will make you feel better than just grumbling on.
And so, Oothar becomes a landscaper through exploration. And he prefers it over barbarian-ing. I think that this book is not a children's book, per say - it's for everyone. I think it's especially aimed at fantasy lovers. We're a complicated bunch that tend to get hit by the blues quite often. We're thinkers and character lovers! So this book is so important for all of us reading weirdos. And kids!
Thanks in advance to NetGalley and the publisher. NG, you always find the weirdest and most uniquely crafted books that speak to my soul
July 31, 2018
Oothar the Blue is a children's book about a barbarian who doesn't feel like slaying the dragon or pillaging catacombs. He ultimately gets so frustrated at being sad he takes it out on his immediate location which leads to a new more fulfilling job opportunity. The art is wonderful and detailed. The story wry and humorous.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
July 3, 2019
Everyone can relate to OOTHAR THE BLUE on his very down day. We all have them. He doesn’t want to slay dragons (oh my!) and or send uberwraiths to the ninth dimension. And when the wizard's spell of enchantment is anything but, Oothar gets angry. He yanks out trees and smashes boulders and slashes grass with his sword. Poor blue dude! Then he has a life-changing encounter with a mauve minotaur and is transformed. 5/5 for this big-hearted, gorgeously illustrated tale!
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
#OotharTheBlue #NetGalley
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
#OotharTheBlue #NetGalley
June 9, 2018
Oothar the Blue is a charming story of a barbarian whose life of sacking and pillaging is not as satisfying as he would like. He learns quite by accident that we don't always have to take the preordained path in life. We have options if we just take the time to look for them.
May 7, 2018
The fun, barbarian-related details in Oothar’s story are wonderfully paired with illustrations that drop you into the middle of his world—a synergy that has the hallmarks of a talented author/illustrator. Add in a likeable, kid-friendly main character who looks to change when no longer happy with the life he’s expected to lead and you have the recipe for an entertaining book with the underlying positive theme of finding happiness.
April 5, 2018
Weirdly Appealing, But Tails Off at the End
Oothar is a sad and melancholy Barbarian, and this is his tale. The story follows a predictable path - we describe and illustrate all of the usual satisfying, but now unsatisfying, things Oothar usually does. At the end something happens that puts the vim back into Oothar's active, outdoor Barbarian lifestyle.
I kept turning the pages because the drawing is friendly and amusing, Oothar's former favorite activities are sort of a hoot, and, mostly, I wondered what the punchline to the running gag would be. Would it be weird or new agey or inspirational or just odd and awkward? Inquiring minds needed to know.
SPOILER OF SORTS. Well, Oothar has a frustrated hissy fit and ends up displaying skills that open up a new line of endeavor for him. It's an odd and forced punchline but not offensive; just odd. Like if Frankenstein became a chartered accountant.
So, what you have here is a fine hero, very clever and imaginative diversions and Barbarian friendly pursuits and enticements, and then a strange ending that might or might not make any sense to a kid. I'm torn because the bulk of the book is very kid friendly, with fun monsters and goofy threats and menaces and barbarous activities. And the ending isn't bad, it's just sort of out of left field.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
Oothar is a sad and melancholy Barbarian, and this is his tale. The story follows a predictable path - we describe and illustrate all of the usual satisfying, but now unsatisfying, things Oothar usually does. At the end something happens that puts the vim back into Oothar's active, outdoor Barbarian lifestyle.
I kept turning the pages because the drawing is friendly and amusing, Oothar's former favorite activities are sort of a hoot, and, mostly, I wondered what the punchline to the running gag would be. Would it be weird or new agey or inspirational or just odd and awkward? Inquiring minds needed to know.
SPOILER OF SORTS. Well, Oothar has a frustrated hissy fit and ends up displaying skills that open up a new line of endeavor for him. It's an odd and forced punchline but not offensive; just odd. Like if Frankenstein became a chartered accountant.
So, what you have here is a fine hero, very clever and imaginative diversions and Barbarian friendly pursuits and enticements, and then a strange ending that might or might not make any sense to a kid. I'm torn because the bulk of the book is very kid friendly, with fun monsters and goofy threats and menaces and barbarous activities. And the ending isn't bad, it's just sort of out of left field.
(Please note that I received a free advance will-self-destruct-in-x-days Adobe Digital copy of this book without a review requirement, or any influence regarding review content should I choose to post a review. Apart from that I have no connection at all to either the author or the publisher of this book.)
May 16, 2018
'Oothar the Blue' by Brandon Reese is about a famous barbarian who doesn't feel up to being a barbarian today. What will he do?
Oothar wakes up one day and he doesn't feel like killing dragons or smashing ogres heads. He just wants to lay in bed. He is feeling a bit blue. The things that usually bring him joy don't today. Finally, he takes his frustration over his feelings out by slashing at grass and pulling out stumps and stomping on the ground. Will this help Oothar not feel blue?
This story made me smile. I loved the fantasy theme and the drawings of a slightly overweight Oothar and all the monsters he normally fights with. I'm not sure about the lesson of having a tantrum and having everythign work out is necessarily a good one, but I do like the lesson of trying something new when you find yourself stuck.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
Oothar wakes up one day and he doesn't feel like killing dragons or smashing ogres heads. He just wants to lay in bed. He is feeling a bit blue. The things that usually bring him joy don't today. Finally, he takes his frustration over his feelings out by slashing at grass and pulling out stumps and stomping on the ground. Will this help Oothar not feel blue?
This story made me smile. I loved the fantasy theme and the drawings of a slightly overweight Oothar and all the monsters he normally fights with. I'm not sure about the lesson of having a tantrum and having everythign work out is necessarily a good one, but I do like the lesson of trying something new when you find yourself stuck.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Lion Forge, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
July 30, 2018
Oothar is feeling down; for a barbarian, this is a problem. He doesn’t want to do his usual barbarian to-do list (like defeating dragons, and fighting ogres). In short, Oothar is depressed. I really enjoyed this book because it has a very original take on your typical strong-man fantasy story. Oothar finds a way to deal with his difficult feelings (hard for any barbarian! :D) and learns how to be productive. This story had charming illustrations, and I believe would be perfect for reluctant readers, and for children who have trouble dealing with their emotions. I gave it 4 out of 5 because the illustrations looked a bit pixilated to me and were just a bit too unpolished. That is a matter of taste, and most children wouldn’t notice (or care) about that at all.
Really cute, unique; a hopeful book on how to harness difficult feelings.
Really cute, unique; a hopeful book on how to harness difficult feelings.
July 30, 2018
Oothar is feeling down; for a barbarian, this is a problem. He doesn’t want to do his usual barbarian to-do list (like defeating dragons, and fighting ogres). In short, Oothar is depressed. I really enjoyed this book because it has a very original take on your typical strong-man fantasy story. Oothar finds a way to deal with his difficult feelings (hard for any barbarian) and learns how to be productive. This story had charming illustrations, and I believe would be perfect for reluctant readers, and for children who have trouble dealing with their emotions. I gave it 4 out of 5 because the illustrations looked a bit pixilated to me and were just a bit too unpolished. That is a matter of taste, and most children wouldn’t notice (or care) about that at all.
Really cute, unique; a hopeful book on how to harness difficult feelings.
Really cute, unique; a hopeful book on how to harness difficult feelings.
March 18, 2019
Oothar the Blue by Brandon Reese. PICTURE BOOK. The Lion Forge, 2018. $17. 9781941302774
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Oothar is used to fighting battles, but he has been feeling blue lately and doesn’t want to participate in his usual hijinx. In his frustration and rage he swings an axe around and inadvertently cuts some hedges and falls into a new career as a gardener. This job brings him a lot of joy.
Oothar is an unexpected character for a picture book - a blue warrior who isn’t happy and never wears a shirt over his slightly paunchy stomach. But I like him. A teacher could easily use this book to talk about the value of good hard work in bringing satisfaction.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Oothar is used to fighting battles, but he has been feeling blue lately and doesn’t want to participate in his usual hijinx. In his frustration and rage he swings an axe around and inadvertently cuts some hedges and falls into a new career as a gardener. This job brings him a lot of joy.
Oothar is an unexpected character for a picture book - a blue warrior who isn’t happy and never wears a shirt over his slightly paunchy stomach. But I like him. A teacher could easily use this book to talk about the value of good hard work in bringing satisfaction.
Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher
https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...
December 8, 2020
One day Oothar the Barbarian just wakes up feeling depressed. He isn't interested in any of the things he usually does - dragon slaying, fighting ogres, pillaging the catacombs. After awhile he's fed up with being blue and goes on a rampage. When he's done, a Minotaur is standing before him, thanking him for all his hard work, offering him gold AND to tell all his friends about Oothar the Landscaper! This surprising turn of events is enough to shake Oothar out of his funk, and soon he's devoted himself to building up his new business! Quirky and hilarious. Adults will appreciate this one, too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2018
I received a free copy of the book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oothar The Blue was a funny tale about a man who is sad. He takes his anger out on objects and things around him and ends up cleaning up a place accidentally! I don't like the lesson that this may teach kids that expressing our anger should be done physically. However, I'm glad the main character learned work and responsibility in the end.
Oothar The Blue was a funny tale about a man who is sad. He takes his anger out on objects and things around him and ends up cleaning up a place accidentally! I don't like the lesson that this may teach kids that expressing our anger should be done physically. However, I'm glad the main character learned work and responsibility in the end.
May 21, 2018
This was a very quick read. I thought it was a graphic novel, but it's more of a children's book. I'm not sure, however, the ending will be something that most children get or get entertained by.
That being said, the illustrations were nice, and the story is a good one that speaks to parents as much as the children who they'll be reading the book to.
The lesson it teaches is really that happiness comes from being recognized for a job well done and that, if you aren't happy with your job, you should look at your strengths and your interests to strike a balance.
That being said, the illustrations were nice, and the story is a good one that speaks to parents as much as the children who they'll be reading the book to.
The lesson it teaches is really that happiness comes from being recognized for a job well done and that, if you aren't happy with your job, you should look at your strengths and your interests to strike a balance.
August 31, 2018
This is a new favorite right here!
Warrior Oothar wakes up one morning feeling off. He doesn't want to slay dragons or fight ogres. He's just blue! He needs a new outlet for his feelings...
While this is a great parody of all the Conan tropes I grew up with, it also carries a powerful message about finding constructive ways to channel negative emotions. As someone who has struggled with depression, I was really tickled by this silly book!
It's a fantastic title with great pictures. I think the kids and parents alike will enjoy it. Definitely going to use this one for storytime.
Warrior Oothar wakes up one morning feeling off. He doesn't want to slay dragons or fight ogres. He's just blue! He needs a new outlet for his feelings...
While this is a great parody of all the Conan tropes I grew up with, it also carries a powerful message about finding constructive ways to channel negative emotions. As someone who has struggled with depression, I was really tickled by this silly book!
It's a fantastic title with great pictures. I think the kids and parents alike will enjoy it. Definitely going to use this one for storytime.
May 9, 2018
When Oothar is feeling blue and even his favorite barbarian pursuits fail to pull him out of his slump, he must be truly brave and discover what he *really* wants from life. In this adventurous, whimsical, beautifully-drawn book, author/illustrator Brandon Reese does a wonderful job of showing Oothar’s emotional journey while revealing a whole new world to readers. The classic comic-style format will draw kids into Oothar’s world and leave them wanting to hear more of his adventures.
May 20, 2018
An excellent children's story with an overall moral of when you are feeling blue to get unstuck try something new. It is an assuming tale with excellent illustrations. Very enjoyable and great way to talk to a child about normal emotions.
I received a free copy of the book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
I received a free copy of the book by the book's publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 29, 2018
This is a pleasant enough book, with a good visual quality and an easy reading appeal for its very young target audience, but on the whole it was a bit of a one-joke effort. A lumpen barbarian has a barbarian-styled response to his depression - and lo and behold the result is not what he expected. It's well worth the read, but to actually seek hard for it, or to pay full whack? Doubtful.
May 9, 2018
I read this lush, beautifully-illustrated picture book last week and was blown away. Not only is it gorgeous, as a piece of art, it addresses the very real, serious issue of depression in a way that children can readily relate to and understand. It's also FUN! It's witty, charming, and delightful. A must read, especially for boys.
May 23, 2018
Kids who like graphic novel style illustrations and stories involving barbarians, dragons, uber-wraiths, minotaurs and spiny gutworms might enjoy this book.
I read it to elementary school kids and they loved it. They wanted to re-read it and pore over all the details in the illustrations.
Cute story where main character overcomes the blues.
I read it to elementary school kids and they loved it. They wanted to re-read it and pore over all the details in the illustrations.
Cute story where main character overcomes the blues.
May 24, 2018
We all have moments when we don't feel ourselves. But what does a barbarian do when he's feeling blue? He no longer wants to slay dragons or banish uberwaiths to the ninth dimension. Even the forest wizard's spell of enchantment doesn't make him feel better. The answer to Oothar's blues comes in an unlikely manner which parents and kids will enjoy. Wonderful illustrations!
July 14, 2018
As I started reading this I thought it would be a more blatant lesson about depression and mental illness, but it glossed over it fairly well and then Oothar found his true purpose and started a new career path. Which is partially helpful for depression I suppose. I'm mixed about what to even rate this one.
April 12, 2018
I didn’t find this funny, myself. At first it seemed the Oothar had depression, and it was resolved too easily. Also, I thought I was going to be reading something more traditional, and then all of a sudden there was a landscaping company. It wasn’t my favorite.
May 5, 2018
This book depicts an amazing fantasy world with illustrations that are top notch. Oothar is tired of all his typical barbarian activities and finds a way to be happy doing something unexpected in the end. Kids will be drawn to the illustrations and the great detail in them.
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June 14, 2018
My goodness this was adorable. I've been seeing this advertised in different comic newsletters and the like, so I was glad I got the chance to check it out from Netgalley. Definitely a good addition to a juvenile graphic novel collection.
July 18, 2019
I received a free ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved that this about a sad character, but not just any sad character, a barbarian. The pictures were catchy and the story was fun. I highly recommend it.
I loved that this about a sad character, but not just any sad character, a barbarian. The pictures were catchy and the story was fun. I highly recommend it.
April 9, 2018
Cute enough, but had hoped there was a bit more to it.
May 10, 2018
This is a clever book with great illustrations. Recommend it for all kids and parents will enjoy it too!
July 19, 2018
Hilarious!
December 14, 2018
I really loved that the book shows a big burly man who is dealing with the blues.
January 15, 2019
A good book for explaining the blues, and turning lemons into lemonade. You don't always have to be happy, and that's a good lesson for kids to learn.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews