Obadiah the Bold

by Brinton Turkle

The charming adventures of Obadiah Starbuck have been beloved by children and adults alike since he first captured hearts in the story of his friendship with an injured seagull in Thy Friend, Obadiah , winner of the Caldecott Honor. The days of Clipper ships and Whalers in the quaint colonial village of Nantucket form the backdrop to these heartwarming tales of a Quaker family and the often rambunctious but always delightful Obadiah. In this tale, Obadiah has determined to become a fearless pirate when he grows up—to roam the seas with buried treasure in secret places! But the gift of an heirloom telescope and a gentle lesson from his father on true bravery give Obadiah an entirely new perspective on courage. Brinton Turkle's warm and engaging watercolors suit the text perfectly. 36 pg

Genres: Picture Books, Historical Fiction, Childrens, Pirates, American History, Fiction

37 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to find this today at the Library book sale! I’ve been on the lookout for it. Enjoyed it with my kids as soon as we got home! Beautiful story and illustrations!

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book recommended by a woman at Meeting. This one had a little more info about Quaker religion, and was also a little better story.

[Luisa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here's a little breathe of fresh air. Amidst a sea of books that turn from the practical and realistic, this book stays on course!

When Obadiah tells his Quaker family that he wants to grow up and be a pirate, his family dishes out a little tough love and he learns a valuable lesson and gains proper perspective. In the end, his passions are steered appropriately (fancy that!) and he sets his stars to an accomplishable and worthy goal.

LOVED the illustrations!

Ages: 4 - 8

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[Josephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obadiah's back, and dreaming of becoming the first "Friendly" pirate EVAR. His older brothers tease him to the point of sulking by playing pirate; tearful in his father's arms, Obadiah discovers that the ancestor for whom he was named is far braver than any pirate: he rounded the Horn several times and brought all his crew home safely every voyage.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just saw the name "Obadiah" in someone's review of some other book and it sparked a memory. I loved this book when I was a kid! I remember my mom reading it to all of us kids at one time or another. Such a great story!

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of our favorite reads! I have read this book 100's of times and still love the story

[CLM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obadiah Starbuck, part of a Quaker family that lives on Nantucket, is inspired by a new spyglass to become a pirate until he learns that his own grandfather was more heroic.

[Kaethe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oddly, I don't remember much except the name "Obadiah" which lingered in my mind. I'd forgotten that he was a Quaker, which would have fascinated me when I dabbled in becoming a Friend myself.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have read this book many times over the past couple of years and I love it...krb

Jacob read for his November Pizza Hut reading challenge..krb 11/2/16 He rated this book 2 stars

[Wetdryvac · Rating 3 out of 5]

Art. Mmm.

[Alex Ronnenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: historically significant
Awards: none
Audience: 4th-6th grade
A. I would choose this book rather than a newer text because it shows students that children growing up in older time periods are just like them. This book was about a boy growing up in a Quaker family in colonial times and he was goofy and acted the same as children do today. He had dreams of what he wanted to be when he grew up and also played with his siblings. Instead of playing with legos, like kids today would, he played with a spyglass. This book can also be used as a social studies lesson.
B. The boy in this book is seen playing at the shipyards and showing off his new spyglass which children may not be familiar with. I would show my students that his spyglass is similar to their favorite toys which might be legos or video games.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and a wholesome storyline draw you into the life of a young Quaker boy, Obadiah, who wants to be a pirate until he comes to understand what being a pirate truly entails. With the help of his loving and patient father, he discovers another, more honorable way to explore his ambition.

[Debby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obadiah gets a spy glass for his birthday and decides he wants to be a pirate until his older brothers and sister show him some unpleasant sides of it. His father tells about his grandfather who was a very brave sea merchant which restores Obadiah's confidence.

Good story and pictures.

[Margaret Chind · Rating 4 out of 5]

My daughter, Mermaid Warrior (5), absolutely adores these Obadiah books. I think I will have to let Santa know... as well as my Beautiful Feet Books link as well, inter-library loan will not suffice.

[DeNae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our favorite of the three we read today.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great little story and illustrations.

[Debs Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun about a boy dreaming of being a pirate and learning that he was named after a hero.

[The Brothers · Rating 4 out of 5]

So a little Quaker boy wants to grow up to become a pirate... What's a family to do? A really interesting story - I haven't come across one quite like it. Kinda strange to read "thee" and "thou" but ultimately fun.

Interesting illustrations.

[Mckinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obadiah gets a spy glass and thinks he'll be a pirate when he grows up. It's a sad day when you realize that pirates aren't the good guys.