{"title":"Books","description":"\u003cp\u003eDiverse picture books and board books from award-winning author Sharon Jones-Scaife.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"i-miss-you-papa","title":"I Miss You Papa","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🌍 Helping close the literacy gap one story at a time.\u003cbr\u003e💛 Stories families can enjoy reading together again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLiterary Christian Award Winner (2021)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRihanna and her brother Deshawn enjoy spending weekends at Mema and Papa’s house. They do all sorts of fun things like ride bikes, watch cartoons and eat ice cream. But one day after a fun visit, Rihanna learns Papa has died. She knew he’d been sick but what is dead? Why did Papa die? What is a funeral? Will Mema die too? Even though Moma and Mema answer her questions, Rihanna creates the “Pretend Game” to help her cope and to keep memories of Papa alive.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702774366453,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702774399221,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/7c5f2d56-I-Miss-You-Papa_IMG_0591_edited.jpg?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"its-bedtime-lil-marco","title":"It's Bedtime Lil' Marco","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $35+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌙 A comforting bedtime story families love sharing night after night.\u003cbr\u003e💛 A gentle story that helps children wind down and feel safe at bedtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLil’ Marco loves to play in the backyard and does not look forward to bedtime in this funny and heartwarming book. When it’s time to stop playing and get ready for bed, he finds everything to get into. Both parents and children alike will relate to this beloved story. A great way to show children how they respond to hearing those dreadful words… ‘it’s bedtime!’\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702774300917,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702774333685,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/79c50bca-Its-Bedtime_IMG_0560_edited.jpg?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"mrs-hughes-is-missing-1","title":"Mrs. Hughes is Missing","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✍🏽 Created by award-winning author Sharon Jones-Scaife.\u003cbr\u003e📖 A joyful reading experience kids ask for again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Oh me! Oh my! Oh boy!” cry the students of Mrs. Hughes’ class when they discover she is missing. With a mean substitute teacher as her replacement, the students decide they must find her. But when the clues lead to dead ends, the students begin to question, “will we ever find Mrs. Hughes?”\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCome along on the search and discover for yourself if the kids ever find their beloved Mrs. Hughes.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702774431989,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702774464757,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/d8170bd9-MHIM_Cover_MKH01620_web-1024x683-1-1.png?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"lil-marco-plays-hide-and-seek","title":"Lil' Marco Plays Hide and Seek","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e📚 Loved by parents, teachers, and young readers.\u003cbr\u003e🌟 Stories that help every child feel seen, valued, and inspired.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLil Marco enjoys playing his favorite game, Hide and Seek. He’s found the perfect hiding place that stumps Mother. But Mother has a plan to draw her son out. Will her plan work or will Lil Marco win another game of Hide and Seek?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere’s a little something extra in Lil’ Marco Plays Hide and Seek! Frog Pond Publishing is pleased to include information and activity sheets that relate to the story theme.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePreparing for emergencies is something that doesn’t cross our minds until an emergency happens, and that’s too late. Lil’ Marco Plays Hide and Seek not only leads children on a trail of fun play, but also introduces them to safe places to hide when faced with weather-related emergencies. The information sheet and activities pages reinforce key learnings and highlight the importance of being prepared.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702774530293,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702774563061,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/f6eb4f06-LMPHS_Cover_MKH01637_web-1024x683-3.png?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"maddie-on-a-mission","title":"Maddie on a Mission","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e✍🏽 Written by award-winning author Sharon Jones-Scaife.\u003cbr\u003e💛 A joyful story families love reading together.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMaddie is disappointed that she can’t go to school until she learns the reason why...a germ is passing from person to person. Maddie must do her part to stop the germ from spreading. But how? And how will her friends help? Follow along as Maddie goes on a germ buster mission.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"\"Hardcover\"","offer_id":67702774694133,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"\"Paperback\"","offer_id":67702774726901,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/6645d2c9-MOAM_Cover_MKH01612_web_2-1024x683-1-1.png?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"kindness-its-in-you","title":"Kindness, It's In You","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌟 A joyful story that helps children understand the power of kindness.\u003cbr\u003e📚 Perfect for families, classrooms, and social-emotional learning.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHaylie’s mission is to make the world a kinder place. She speaks kind words to friends and neighbors. She does kind deeds for strangers and family. But then she meets mean Gus. What happens when kindness meets meanness? Things do not end the way you think!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e“Kindness - It’s In You” is book one in the Haylie’s Inspirations series.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702774759669,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702774792437,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/555d0ec5-Kindness-Its-In-You_IMG_0523_edited.jpg?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"just-kick-it","title":"Just Kick It","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌍 Helping close the literacy gap one story at a time.\u003cbr\u003e💛 Stories families can enjoy reading together again and again.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRihanna has butterflies in her stomach! Today she plays her first game with her new team, the Lady Lions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAll goes well until Coach calls her into the game. For someone who is nervous and scared, she manages to complete a pass to the team’s star player. Rihanna feels great! Rihanna’s fear about being accepted by her new teammates comes back at the end of the game. What is she to do? Pass or try to score? Or run off the field and hide behind Mema?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJoin Rihanna on the field as the ball bounces to her and she has to decide what her next move will be.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702775054581,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702775087349,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/65a11d5a-Just-Kick-It_IMG_0540.jpg?v=1792023770"},{"product_id":"good-night-buttercup-1","title":"Good Night, Buttercup","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb data-olk-copy-source=\"MailCompose\"\u003e🚚 Free shipping on orders $40+\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e🌙 A comforting bedtime story families love sharing night after night.\u003cbr\u003e💛 A gentle story that helps children wind down and feel safe at bedtime.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt’s here! The perfect bedtime story!\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eButtercup loves to play and play. But when night falls and it’s time for bed, Buttercup tries to wiggle out of sleep. Will she succeed and remain at play? Or will she fall under sleep’s magic spell?\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this charming read-aloud, both children and parents will cheer Buttercup on, no matter which way she finally lands. Easy-flow rhymes and adorable illustrations make this a treasured bedtime story for today’s children and the generations to come.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702776856821,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702776889589,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/a5b4eda5-GNB_Cover_MKH01633_web-1024x683-1-1.png?v=1792023772"},{"product_id":"respect-its-in-you","title":"Respect, It's In You","description":"\u003cem\u003eRespect, It’s in You! \u003c\/em\u003eis a heartfelt children’s story for young readers age 4-8. Themes include friendship, self-discovery, identity formation, and respect for self and others.\r\n\r\nMeet Gus, a spirited boy who learns that treating others with kindness starts with respecting oneself. When faced with the consequences of his actions, Gus turns to his classmate, Haylie, for guidance. Together, they embark on a journey of personal growth and redemption, leading to a heartening conclusion that emphasizes the importance of self-respect and its impact on relationships. Join Gus as he discovers that true strength lies in the way we treat ourselves and others. \u003cem\u003eRespect, It's in You!\u003c\/em\u003e is a captivating tale filled with valuable lessons for young readers.\r\n\r\n\u003cem\u003eRespect, It’s in You! \u003c\/em\u003eis the latest release by author Sharon Jones-Scaife and is Book #2 in the Haylie’s Inspirations series. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone story, or as a companion to Book #1, \u003cem\u003eKindness, It’s in You!\u003c\/em\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702777184501,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702777217269,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/7bc9ab5f-Respect-Its-In-You_IMG_0546_edited.jpg?v=1792023772"},{"product_id":"hop-skip-count-lil-marcos-counting-adventure","title":"Hop, Skip, Count: Lil' Marco's Counting Adventure","description":"\u003cp\u003eLil’ Marco is learning to count but is having the hardest time remembering the order of the numbers. His dad has tried everything from counting his fingers and toes, to board games and counting his toys. But Lil’ Marco still keeps mixing numbers up. When Dad decides to take it outside, what will he try? Come along on this fun adventure to find out!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702777020661,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702777053429,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/3f60de30-HopSkipCount_Cover_IMG_0491_Edited.jpg?v=1792023772"},{"product_id":"yuck-whats-that-smell","title":"YUCK! What's that Smell?","description":"\u003cp\u003eMeet Rufus, the cleanest raccoon you’ll ever meet—so clean, even the stars are jealous! But when he steps into the messiest bathroom ever, Rufus and Jordan are in for a wild cleaning adventure. From puddles of pee to a gnat invasion, can they scrub, rinse, and save the day before the bathroom takes over? With humor and chaos, this story will leave kids laughing (and maybe a bit cleaner, too)!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702786654453,"sku":"YUCK_PB","price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702786687221,"sku":"YUCK_HC","price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/ac5eea7a-YUCK-Whats-that-Smell_IMG_0523_web.jpg?v=1792023776"},{"product_id":"i-am-amazing-abc-affirmations-for-kids","title":"I AM AMAZING ABC Affirmations for Kids","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBig confidence for little readers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\r\nFrom Amazing to Zesty, I Am Amazing: ABC Affirmations for Kids fills little hearts with pride, positivity, and joy. Through the cheerful voices of Lil’ Marco and Buttercup, each letter brings a gentle reminder that every child is strong, smart, kind, and beautifully made.\r\n\r\nPerfect for ages 2–5, this sturdy board book turns story time into an empowering moment of love, learning, and self-belief.\r\n\r\n\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReleases November 17! Ships December 2025.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\r\n\r\n ","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67702786621685,"sku":"978-1-962144-14-8","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/9db63a43-I-AM-AMAZING-3D-Book-Mockup_LR.jpg?v=1792023776"},{"product_id":"girls-can-do-anything-a-story-about-believing-in-yourself","title":"Girls Can Do Anything: A Story About Believing in Yourself","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\" data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"521\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"415\" data-end=\"521\"\u003eWhat if the only thing standing between a girl and her biggest dream is someone telling her she can’t?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"523\" data-end=\"693\"\u003eRihanna has big dreams—and she’s not afraid to chase them. But when someone suggests that certain jobs are “only for boys,” she begins to wonder… \u003cstrong data-start=\"669\" data-end=\"693\"\u003eis that really true?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"695\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eWith courage, curiosity, and imagination, Rihanna discovers a powerful truth: \u003cstrong data-start=\"773\" data-end=\"847\"\u003eher future isn’t limited by what other people think she should become.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"1261\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"849\" data-end=\"909\"\u003eGirls Can Do Anything: A Story About Believing in Yourself\u003c\/em\u003e is an empowering children’s story that encourages young readers to challenge stereotypes, believe in their abilities, and dream without limits. Along the way, Rihanna explores a variety of careers—from science and technology to skilled trades, sports, construction, and medicine—helping children see just how many possibilities their futures can hold.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"1263\" data-end=\"1471\"\u003eMore than an inspiring story, \u003cem data-start=\"1293\" data-end=\"1316\"\u003eGirls Can Do Anything\u003c\/em\u003e introduces children to career exploration, S.T.E.A.M. concepts, confidence, perseverance, and positive self-belief in an engaging and age-appropriate way.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1522\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1473\" data-end=\"1522\"\u003eInside the book, young readers will discover:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\r\n\u003cul data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003e\r\n \t\u003cli data-section-id=\"ascga\" data-start=\"1523\" data-end=\"1587\"\u003eAn empowering story about confidence and believing in yourself\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n \t\u003cli data-section-id=\"9u391h\" data-start=\"1588\" data-end=\"1651\"\u003eExposure to a variety of careers and S.T.E.A.M. possibilities\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n \t\u003cli data-section-id=\"1wqp27e\" data-start=\"1652\" data-end=\"1714\"\u003ePositive messages that challenge limiting gender stereotypes\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n \t\u003cli data-section-id=\"wgwdrf\" data-start=\"1715\" data-end=\"1805\"\u003eOpportunities for meaningful conversations about dreams, goals, interests, and abilities\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n \t\u003cli data-section-id=\"f5fdy3\" data-start=\"1806\" data-end=\"1903\"\u003eAdditional career information designed to encourage children to explore even more possibilities\u003c\/li\u003e\r\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"1905\" data-end=\"2102\"\u003ePerfect for \u003cstrong data-start=\"1917\" data-end=\"1929\"\u003eages 5–9\u003c\/strong\u003e, classrooms, school libraries, Career Day programs, elementary S.T.E.A.M. initiatives, homeschool families, mentoring programs, community organizations, and family reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\r\n\u003cp data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2104\" data-end=\"2217\"\u003eGirls can build. Girls can explore. Girls can invent. Girls can lead. And most of all… girls can do anything.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Lil' Marco and Friends","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":67702786851061,"sku":null,"price":14.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Hardcover","offer_id":67702786883829,"sku":null,"price":19.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0827\/0908\/6453\/files\/5cf8e61b-IMG_9947-scaled.jpg?v=1792023776"}],"url":"https:\/\/lilmarcoandfriends.com\/collections\/books.oembed","provider":"Lil’ Marco and Friends","version":"1.0","type":"link"}