Princeton, TX — October 8, 2025—What happens when a children’s author known for heartfelt stories about kindness, respect, and resilience takes on a dare to write something gross?
You get YUCK! What’s That Smell? — a hilarious, hand-drawn new book and companion workbook from award-winning author and illustrator Sharon Jones-Scaife that’s already making kids giggle and parents say, “EWW!”
Best known for touching titles like Kindness, It’s In You, and I Miss You, Papa, Jones-Scaife was challenged by one of her customers to create a “gross book for boys.”
“I normally write stories that teach life lessons — about kindness, respect, or even grief,” says Jones-Scaife. “So when a customer challenged me to write a laugh-out-loud story, it completely stretched me as a writer. I decided to take it on, and YUCK! What’s That Smell? was born. Every illustration in the book is hand-drawn — I wanted it to feel as authentic and fun as the idea itself.”
But what started as a silly experiment turned into something more meaningful. The book’s main character, Jordan, never shows their face — a creative choice that makes the story universal.
“The name Jordan was intentional,” Jones-Scaife explains. “It’s a name that fits both boys and girls. I wanted every child to imagine themselves as Jordan, because laughter — and learning — belong to everyone.”
The “YUCK! What’s That Smell?” storybook and
workbook bundle — the perfect laugh-out-loud holiday
gift for young readers.
Photo courtesy of Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC
From spooky season to holiday fun, “YUCK! What’s That
Smell?” gives families something to laugh — and learn
— about together.
Photo courtesy of Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC
A Stinky, Silly, and Smart Adventure
YUCK! What’s That Smell? invites readers to follow Jordan through a series of smelly surprises, turning “gross” moments into laughter and discovery. The matching workbook takes it further with fun, literacy-boosting activities that make kids eager to read, write, and shout “YUCK!” all over again.
Just in Time for the Holidays
The release arrives perfectly timed for the fall and winter seasons:
Halloween: The ultimate gross-out read-aloud for spooky fun.
Thanksgiving: Family laughter that pairs perfectly with pumpkin pie.
Black Friday: Special preorder bundles and holiday deals.
Christmas: A hilarious gift that keeps kids reading (and giggling).
About the Author
Sharon Jones-Scaife is the award-winning author and illustrator behind the Lil’ Marco and Friends series. Through inclusive stories, engaging media, and literacy-rich products, she helps every child feel seen, valued, and inspired to dream big. Her work has been featured in schools, libraries, and literacy programs across Texas and beyond.
Preorder Now
Preorder the YUCK! Holiday Bundle now at: YUCK! What’s that Smell? Book Bundle – Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC
Includes:
✅ The laugh-out-loud storybook
✅ The interactive workbook
✅ A FREE downloadable YUCK! Fun Pack (limited-time bonus)
Media Contact:
Sharon Jones-Scaife
Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC
📧 sharon@lilmarcoandfriends.com
📞 (972) 442-6000
🌐 https://lilmarcoandfriends.com/
A heartwarming moment from the “YUCK! What’s That Smell?” storybook
— sparking giggles, bonding, and a love for reading between parents and
kids.Illustrative image courtesy of Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC
A student can’t stop laughing as he reads “YUCK! What’s That Smell?” —
proving that humor and learning go hand in hand.
Illustrative image courtesy of Lil’ Marco and Friends, LLC.
