Oof Makes an Ouch!: questions to ask and activities to try
Oof and Pib only know their own names, until Oof starts inventing words. Oof Makes an Ouch! is a funny story about jealousy, friendship and finding the right words.
What age is it for? Oof Makes an Ouch! is best for ages 3–7. Good for: Jealousy between friends, and the power of words.
Oof Makes an Ouch! (Duncan Beedie)
- Age
- 3-7
- Best for
- Jealousy between friends, and the power of words
Enjoy the made-up words, then pause when Pib gets jealous. Ask how he feels and what he could do instead.
What it helps with
- Jealousy between friends
- Finding words for feelings
- Saying sorry
- Language and inventing words
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What words did Oof and Pib know?”
- “What did Oof start doing?”
- “How did Pib feel?”
- “What did Pib do?”
- “How did they fix things?”
- “What word would you invent?”
5-minute activities to try together
Invent a word
Make up a new word for a feeling and use it all day.
Sorry words
Practise what to say when you've hurt a friend.
Free printables: Oof Makes an Ouch! worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
Free. We’ll only email you if you tick the box.
If your child liked this, try
Hank Goes Honk (Maudie Powell-Tuck and Duncan Beedie)
- Best for
- Interrupting, being loud, and thinking about others
- Age
- 3-6
Croc and Bird (Alexis Deacon)
- Best for
- Brothers and sisters who are very different
- Age
- 3-7
This Is My Rock (David Lucas)
- Best for
- Not wanting to share, and finding it's lonely
- Age
- 2-6
Search all our books by what's happening →
By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.