Just about anything with a wood stock would be easy to modify...with the right tools you woudln't even need to refinish--just trim the buttplate down to fit.
That being said, used/factory 10/22 stocks are quite common and can be found for $20ish if one looks around the 'net. Buy a 10/22 and a spare stock to modify. Then you'll have a youth stock for the kids, and an adult stock for you (or when the kids grow up). It's quick and easy to swap stocks!
From there...
Henry makes a bolty youth 22lr with a 11.5" LOP, single shot (much like the cricket)
Savage makes a bolty youth 22lr with a 12.5" LOP, either single shot or repeater.
Marlin makes a bolty youth 22lr with a 12" LOP, single shot.
Both marlins and henry's are made in the USA. Savage is a US company, but their rimfires are manufactured in Canada.