Every Adventure Starts With Someone Who Shows Up

Funcles & Faunties™ was inspired by one simple belief:

Some of the most treasured childhood memories are made with the adults who choose to be present.

Whether they're aunts, uncles, godparents, or lifelong family friends, these are the people who help children see the world through a lens of curiosity, confidence, and imagination.

The Funcles & Faunties™ book series celebrates these relationships through stories that encourage:

  • Curiosity

  • Courage

  • Creativity

  • Kindness

  • Play

  • Family in all its beautiful forms

Because some of the best memories begin with an ordinary day, and someone who chooses to show up, inspire, and make it extraordinary.

Shop the Merch

Why "Funcles & Faunties™"?

Not every family looks the same.

But almost every child has, or deserves to have, that grown-up who makes life a little more fun.

That’s what Funcles & Faunties™ is all about.

Celebrating the fun aunts, fun uncles, and honorary ones who remind us that some of the most meaningful relationships are built through laughter, adventure, love, and shared experiences.

The Heart Behind Every Story

Play is how children learn.

But it's also how adults reconnect with wonder.

Every book in the Funcles & Faunties™ series encourages children and grown-ups alike to slow down, laugh a little louder, explore a little farther, and create memories that last long after childhood.

Because no one is ever too old to play.

Meet the Characters

  • Ruby

    The adventurous one.

    Ruby is energetic, curious, and always excited to try something new. Every experience becomes an opportunity to imagine, discover, and occasionally get into a little mischief.

  • Gus

    The thoughtful explorer.

    Gus may be quieter than his sister, but his endless curiosity and thoughtful questions often lead to the biggest discoveries. Around the people he trusts most, his confidence shines.

  • Fauntie Woo

    The memory maker.

    With endless enthusiasm and her signature "Woo!", Fauntie Woo transforms ordinary days into unforgettable adventures while reminding everyone to never forget to play.

  • Funcle Do

    The hometown hero.

    A firefighter with a playful spirit, Funcle Do shows that real courage means helping others, working together, and finding joy along the way.

  • Funcle Pizza

    The science teacher.

    Scientist, builder, experimenter, and professional fun-maker. Whether launching homemade rockets or creating kitchen experiments, Funcle Pizza proves curiosity can turn anything into an adventure. He puts the US in nucleus.

More Adventures Are On The Way...

The Funcles & Faunties™ Universe is just getting started.

Future stories will explore exciting adventures, meaningful life lessons, and the unforgettable memories made with the people who love us most.

Meet the Creator

Behind every Funcles & Faunties™ story is Mary Moccia, an auntie, nurse practitioner, lifelong learner, and firm believer that both childhood and adulthood should be filled with play, curiosity, and meaningful connection.

After an unexpected career transition in 2025, Mary found herself asking a different kind of question: What truly fills my cup?

The answer was simple.

Spending time with her nieces, nephews and the children who brought so much joy and perspective to her life.

Inspired by their curiosity and imagination, she created Funcles & Faunties™ to celebrate the bonds between kids and the grown-ups who love them, and the magical memories they create together.

When she's not writing, Mary is pursuing a PhD in Integral Health, volunteering as a reading tutor at Gigi’s Playhouse, practicing yoga, hiking, traveling, or spending time near the water.

Her greatest hope is that every story reminds children, and adults, to Never Forget to Play™.

Fun Facts about Mary

  1. The best part of my week, by far, is tutoring my friend Nanna in reading.

  2. The life goal I take most seriously is getting on Wheel of Fortune.

  3. I went skydiving with the Navy SEALs

  4. My dog is named after Tom Brady.

  5. My love language is quality time, and I firmly believe experiences make better gifts than things.

Meet the Illustrator

Jessica Gamboa is a professional children’s book illustrator from Argentina who loves bringing stories to life through expressive, colorful characters and whimsical worlds. Her work focuses on warmth, emotion, and the little details that make a story feel truly special.

Illustrating Cleared for Takeoff was especially meaningful to Jessica. She loved capturing the heart of the story and bringing to life the loving bond between an aunt and the children as they experience their journey together.

Creating those sweet, emotional moments was one of her favorite parts of illustrating the book.

Reach out!

We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have a question about the books, want to collaborate, share a Funcles & Faunties™ adventure, or simply say hello, we'd love to connect. Fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.