At Outpost Oops, storytelling is a fun way to lean mental health self-care. Our stories give readers of all ages opportunities to explore kind and fair ways to better meet their needs and to feel good about themselves. We hope mentors, such as caregivers and teachers, read our stories with or to learners. Some audio versions are available. When discusing one of the Things To Think About questions with learners be open, understanding and encouraging. Examples of recommended mentor responses follow: I’d like to hear more about what you’re saying. Being kind or fair can be hard, especially when we’re feeling afraid or lonely. I’m not always sure of what I’m saying. I have to remind myself I’m a learner who’s sometimes anxious. It’s common for people to change their mind after they receive a new way of seeing things.
We have begun to provide an audio option for our stories.
Planet Flub:
A shocking event brings about a daring quest by youngsters and their teacher.
(ages 9 and up, 56 pages)
A two part audio version is available below. (part one: 50 minutes, part two: 44 minutes)
Bobbing:
Some big surprises follow a group’s attempt to better their lives by sharing a new discovery with those who rule over them.
(ages 9 and up, 48 pages)
A two part audio version is available below. (part one: 42 minutes, part two: 37 minutes)
Snomy and Nug:
After forging an unlikely friendship, a prey and predator become outcasts determined to offer their communities a new way of life.
(ages 8 and up, 29 pages)
A two part audio version is available below. (part one: 35 minutes, part two: 30 minutes)
The Trike:
Somebody seen as too nice shows up riding a tricycle.
(ages 9 and up, 33 pages)
A two part audio version is available below. (part one: 28 minutes, part two: 27 minutes)
Nudges:
Two girls takes a stand when others aren’t nice.
(ages 9 and up, 27 pages)
A two part audio version is available below. (part one: 29 minutes, part two: 28 minutes)
Funny Business:
A girl fears she’s going to flunk a school subject.
(ages 7 and up, 7 pages)
Too Special:
A boy struggles with a loss.
(ages 7 and up, 8 pages, 11 minute audio)
The Dare:
A boy discovers a new friend steals.
(ages 7 and up, 10 pages)
The Refuge:
After doing something she regrets, a girl becomes friends with the town oddball.
(ages 12 and up, 38 pages)
Uncle Ubby:
A girl learns to treadle and be trusty.
(ages 8 and up, 7 pages)
Tree Hugger:
A boys lies to protect someone.
(ages 8 and up, 9 pages)
Super Somebodies:
A girl doesn’t want to let her mother down.
(ages 8 and up, 14 pages)
Good Enough:
A girl shows courage when she meets new nosy classmates.
(ages 8 and up, 7 pages)
The Broken Tea Cup:
A broken tea cup begins a search for what really matters.
(ages 8 and up, 14 pages)
Dreamboat or Dinghy:
A young woman struggles to heal after a breakup.
(ages 12 and up, 14 pages)
A Girl and Two Llamas:
A woman gets unexpected help when she’s told she must mow her lawn.
(ages 9 and up, 15 pages)
The Parking Lot:
A good-natured woman struggles to deal with nastiness.
(ages 12 and up, 15 pages)
Ms. Bozzlebee’s Final Exam:
A teacher gives a final exam on the first day of school.
(ages 12 and up, 8 pages)
The Sponge Ball Lesson:
A girl learns about liking herself.
(ages 8 and up, 15 pages)
The Coupon:
A homeless woman gives out niceness coupons.
(ages 10 and up, 18 pages)
In Between:
A woman gets a big surprise after refusing to help a girl.
(ages 13 and up, 13 pages)
Rockiing Chairs:
A lonely elder helps his young neighbor learn about caring.
(ages 8 and up, 14 pages)
The Debate:
An old woman helps a young man deal with regret.
(ages 12 and up, 14 pages)
Many Times More:
Gay teens search for fairness and self-worth.
(ages 14 and up, 69 pages)
A Grand Notion:
A wheelchair-bound woman with an odd way of trying to be helpful befriends two dispirited sisters.
(ages 14 and up, 96 pages)