Apple Jim!

Storyteller for kiddos of all ages.

Big fun from the biggest kid you know.

Hi, I'm Jim Gibbons. I'm a writer, editor, and storyteller from Portland, Oregon. I'm a father of two, uncle to many, youth sports coach to some, and goofball to all.

Dubbed "Apple Jim" by a young nephew trying to say "Uncle Jim," I created this site (and continued the pen name) to share stories I write for the kiddos in my life — and that your kiddos can share too!

Free stories for cool kids.

Grab some free comics, audiobooks, and more! Find something that interests you and download your copy!

Camp Bitter Lake

A spooky kids comic by Jim Gibbons and Julie Oliveira

There’s something strange about Roswell, New Mexico’s very weird summer camp — made even stranger by a sudden rash of mysterious cabin robberies. Four friends must band together, put their differences behind them, and figure out who the heck is stealing everyone's stuff.

Features the 20-page story, "The Case of the Stolen Stuff," and the bonus story "Kitchen Raid."

Best for age 7+

Get the free digital comic

The Freshwater Mages and the Mountain Dragon

An kids audiobook by Jim Gibbons

On an island in a river in a forest beside a mountain there lived two mages named Ollis and Trout.

When sand bandits start to trouble the Castle Kingdom, the duo are enlisted to investigate.

Best for age 4+

Email Apple Jim for Yoto link

Can be enjoyed on the Yoto app for free.

PB&Jim

A short story by Jim Gibbons and Melody Often

An autobiographical comic that reflects on growing up with asthma and a deadly peanut allergy.

Best for age 11+

Get the free digital comic

Good Shaq in the Bad Future

A short story by Jim Gibbons and Ethan Young

In the year 1992, Shaquille O'Neal is recruited by a time-traveling Grandmama to save the future from... himself?

"Not since Barkley dunked on Godzilla has a comics b-ball matchup been so enthralling." — Comics Alliance

Best for age 11+

Get the free digital comic

Lava Jumpers

A never-before-seen comic pitch by Jim Gibbons and Lucas Elliott

Not every story idea becomes a big cool book. Way back when, Lucas and I created an epic pitch about some kids who traveled to a secret underground realm where the floor really is lava, but it sadly never took off.

But we did create this fun short story! Check it out!

Best for age 7+

Read the short sample comic

Story times and readings.

I love to read stories at local bookshops, libraries, or anywhere else curious kids want to listen. When you've honed your funny voices for years, you better put them to good use, right?

Interested in a story time? Looking for someone to do some reading? Drop me a line at jimgibbons1[at]gmail[dot]com

Free Stories for Cool Kids: The Zine

Zines are fun, self-published works. They're also the perfect way to share free stories with cool and curious kids of all ages. Homemade stories in a do-it-yourself package, ready for young readers everywhere!