Sharon Jones-Scaife, a 1989 graduate of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock who now lives in Sachse, Texas, has written a new children’s book that focuses on the importance of being prepared when faced with weather emergencies.

“It is up to parents to help their children overcome fear, whether it’s fear of the monster under the bed, fear of insects, or weather-related fears,” Jones-Scaife said. “This story will help them start the fear conversation with their children.”

“Lil’ Marco Plays Hide and Seek” will be released May 3 by Frog Pond Publishing. Written in rhyming stanzas and paired with vibrant and engaging illustrations, the story leads children on a trail of fun play through a game of hide and seek while introducing them to safe places to hide in the event of a weather-related emergency.

In addition to helping parents have a conversation with their children about weather and safety, the book contains an emergency planning sheet, tip sheets, and children’s activities.

“I included emergency preparedness information and activity sheets that relate to the story theme,” Jones-Scaife said. “It is an established fact that children feel safer when they know what to do in an emergency situation.”

Jones-Scaife, who graduated from UA Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design/illustration, is the author of several children’s books, including “I Miss You, Papa.” She wrote the book following the death of her husband, Albert, in 2015 and the effect it had on her then 4- and 7-year-old grandchildren. Additionally, she is the publisher of Teen Graffiti, a magazine that serves as a voice for teens, as well as the author of “Mrs. Hughes is Missing,” “It’s Bedtime Lil’ Marco,” and “Becoming,” a collection of original poems and illustrations.

When she was 18, Jones-Scaife enrolled at UA Little Rock, following her three older siblings who already attended the university. She said her time at UA Little Rock helped her to become more independent and get a good start in her career.

“I had a good time. UA Little Rock gave me an opportunity to learn to be responsible,” she said. “It taught me a lot about life, how to be on my own, and it gave me a solid start to my career.”