Oof Makes an Ouch!

Set in the Stone Age, ‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ introduces us to Oof and Pip, best friends, who can only say their own names until Oof invents a new word which leads to her getting lots of praise and attention from the rest of the village. This makes Pib very jealous and threatens their friendship.

Delightfully funny, ‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ is also a lovely story for helping children to understand feelings of jealousy and learning to say sorry, making it perfect for starting discussions in PSHE or after one of those difficult play times all teachers are familiar with. Pib’s inability to find the words to express his frustration, which leads to his subsequent actions, is beautifully portrayed, capturing a feeling commonly experienced and allowing for its exploration and for thinking of strategies for helping Pib to act in a different manner.

Forming part of the History Programme of Study for KS2, The Stone Age is an era which fascinates children and generates some amazing questions. When did people start talking to each other? Who spoke the first word? How did everyone know what it meant? are examples of questions I have been asked (amid a multitude of others!) when teaching about this period. ‘Oof’ would make a wonderful starting point for exploring the origins of language, the etymology of words and the changing nature of language as it evolves to describe new inventions and experiences. It could also lead to discussions about the ‘lost words’ taken from dictionaries as they fall from usage. Completely fascinating for a word-nerd like me!

One invention leads to another and to yet more questions..! The invention of the wheel was a major advance - and yet today, we take it completely for granted. Considering inventions and inventors leads to further discoveries and the story offers the opportunity for discussions and creative thinking!

With its lovely characters, the story also lends itself to writing further adventures about Pib and Oof. Who knows what else this dynamic duo might discover or create? Children would enjoy writing additional adventures and using their learning about the Stone Age to colour their writing. (I would like Duncan to write a book all about the little lizard character who appears throughout!)

‘Oof Makes an Ouch!’ is a wonderfully humorous story, encouraging empathy and investigation!

Oof Makes an Ouch! Duncan Beedie

Templar ISBN: 978-1787416819