Retired Early Childhood Educator, former preschool owner, and author of Squeak the Little Grey Squirrel, Lori J. Thompson, has made a creative space for children through stories that inspire both young readers and the adults who raise them.
There’s no manual for parenting, no step-by-step guide that tells new parents what to do. Lori J, therefore, does parenting through her beautiful stories that nurture compassion, curiosity, and empathy in children.
Lori spent her life helping families grow with patience and joy as a teacher. Now, in retirement, Lori J has turned her lifetime of lessons into picture and coloring books that remind parents that, even without a parenting handbook, love and laughter can be taught.
From Preschool Lessons to Storybook Pages
Before becoming an author, Lori J spent over thirty years nurturing toddlers and guiding parents through the challenges of early childhood. For fourteen of those years, she ran a large preschool in Rotorua, New Zealand, serving as both the head teacher and the licensee. She says, “I have a passion to see young parents and caregivers have good success with navigating through parenting young children.”
Her time as an educator taught her that every child learns differently. When she retired, she didn’t stop teaching; she changed the medium. Through stories, she continues to teach life’s small lessons wrapped in humor and love.
Lori J explains that her writing journey began in an unexpected place: her journal.
“The funny antics of the squirrels in my brother’s backyard seemed to be the topic in my journal… the story of Squeak was born.”
Her observations turned into her first children’s book, Squeak the Little Grey Squirrel. It was inspired by her grandchildren’s laughter and the busy wildlife around her mother’s home.
Inside the World of “Squeak the Little Grey Squirrel”
The Squeak series is Lori J’s signature creation. The series includes books filled with charm, warmth, and wisdom for both children and adults.
The stories show how Great Gramma’s grandchildren meet Squeak, a curious grey squirrel who lives outside her window. His playful messes, tiny adventures, and moments of mischief are like the joys and challenges of raising little ones.
Through Squeak’s adventures, Lori J brings in lessons about empathy, problem-solving, and love. When Squeak’s baby falls from the nest, for instance, children learn about caring, teamwork, and hope.
This is gentle guidance disguised as fun.
Her coloring book companion, Squeak’s Colouring Book, lets children bring the story to life in their own way. Her background in early childhood education shows that creativity and learning go hand in hand.
Lori J’s Work’s Unique Aspects
Lori combines storytelling with child development. Her books are:
- Based on personal experience: Every story is based on years spent teaching toddlers and guiding families.
- Filled with warmth: She writes with the same kindness she once brought to her classrooms.
- Interactive and fun: Through reading, coloring, and discussing, children learn while parents connect.
- Inspired by family: Many of her tales include her grandchildren, turning memory into messages.
- Dedicated to parents: Her stories remind caregivers that they’re doing better than they think.
Lori’s tone is comforting and candid. “Funny that we don’t get a handbook or an instruction book when we leave the hospital with our newborn baby,” she laughs. “Parenting is a very personal thing. I’m not the one to tell you how to, but to offer helpful hints to make the home more comfortable and fun!”
A Life of Courage and Creativity
Lori J has faced some of life’s hardest storms. She lost her third child to SIDS, survived cancer, and rebuilt her life after leaving an abusive marriage. Through it all, she found healing in writing and strength in helping others.
Each story and character carries compassion. This makes her work timeless.
Today, Lori lives in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, where she continues to write, hike, and enjoy her role as a grandmother. She’s working on her third Squeak story and hopes to release audio versions for children who love to listen while they play or rest.
Lori values helping parents feel seen. She hopes her stories remind them that even small moments like snuggles, giggles, and bedtime stories matter most.
Conclusion
Lori J is the creator of a space where learning and guidance come wrapped in storybooks. Through Squeak the Little Grey Squirrel and her growing collection of stories, Lori J supports parents and delights children.
Her message is: parenting may come without a handbook, but with love, humor, and a little help from a mischievous squirrel, families can find their way together.