North Texas founder encourages families to build confidence through reading before the first school bell rings.
PRINCETON, Texas (July 9, 2026) — As families across North Texas begin checking off back-to-school shopping lists, children’s literacy advocate Sharon Jones-Scaife is encouraging parents to prepare children for something just as important as backpacks and school supplies—a confident start to the new school year through the power of reading.
While parents often focus on notebooks, pencils, and new clothes, Jones-Scaife believes one of the greatest investments families can make before the first day of school is spending just 20 minutes a day reading together.
“Preparing children for school isn’t just about having the right supplies,” said Jones-Scaife. “It’s about helping them walk into the classroom believing they can succeed. Reading together builds confidence, strengthens family connections, and helps children develop a love of learning before the school year even begins.”
Jones-Scaife is the Founder and CEO of Lil’ Marco and Friends, a North Texas children’s literacy company dedicated to helping children build confidence, character, and a lifelong love of reading through inclusive books and educational experiences. Since founding the company, she has helped place more than 60,000 books into the hands of children through storybooks, educational activity books, school visits, literacy events, and community partnerships throughout North Texas.
As students prepare to return to school, Jones-Scaife encourages parents to focus on five simple habits that can make a lasting difference in a child’s confidence and enthusiasm for learning.
Five Simple Ways Parents Can Prepare Children for School Success
Read together every day. Even 20 minutes of reading together helps strengthen vocabulary, confidence, comprehension, and family connection.
Let children choose books that interest them. Children are far more likely to develop a love of reading when they are excited about the story.
Talk about the stories you read. Simple conversations help children think critically, build communication skills, and improve comprehension.
Celebrate effort instead of perfection. Children become confident learners when they know mistakes are part of learning and growth.
Create a simple family reading routine. Whether it’s before bedtime, after dinner, or on weekends, consistency is more important than perfection.
“Children who enjoy reading often become more confident learners,” Jones-Scaife said. “My hope is that every family discovers that reading together doesn’t have to be complicated. A few minutes each day can create memories, strengthen relationships, and help children walk into school believing in themselves.”
Jones-Scaife is available for television, radio, podcast, newspaper, and magazine interviews to discuss:
- Five simple ways parents can prepare children for a successful school year
- Helping reluctant readers discover the joy of reading
- Building children’s confidence through literacy
- Creating family reading routines that work
- Choosing books that engage young readers
- Why representation and positive storytelling matter in children’s literature
As schools prepare to welcome students back into classrooms, Jones-Scaife hopes to remind families that one of the most valuable back-to-school investments doesn’t come from a store—it comes from spending meaningful time together with a good book.
About Lil’ Marco and Friends
Lil’ Marco and Friends is a North Texas children’s literacy company dedicated to helping children build confidence, character, and a lifelong love of reading through inclusive storybooks, educational products, school and community literacy programs, and family engagement experiences. Founded by Sharon Jones-Scaife, the company has placed more than 60,000 books into the hands of children while empowering young readers through stories that celebrate kindness, perseverance, confidence, imagination, and character.
