There’s something magical about watching children discover the world.
Author Lori J. Thompson, known simply as Lori J. has discovered that magic and is on a mission to teach others about it.
Apart from being a retired preschool teacher, she’s the joyful mind behind “Squeak, The Little Grey Squirrel,” a creative series designed for fun, real-life learning for young kids, and for the parents and caregivers guiding them.
From Preschool to Picture Books
Lori J. spent over thirty years in early childhood education. For 14 of those years, she ran a large preschool, wearing multiple hats: head teacher, licensee, storyteller, conflict-resolver, snack-manager… you name it.
But her love for teaching toddlers turned a corner and ran straight into a squirrel.
Literally.
When Lori’s grandchildren came to visit her in Canada, their days were filled with little backyard wonders. Among them was a mischievous grey squirrel who made himself right at home outside Great Gramma’s window.
That squirrel, Squeak, dug through flower pots, chattered noisily from the trees, and made the young visitors curious.
Meet Squeak, the Little Grey Squirrel
That everyday moment turned into a story. That story became a book. And that book became a series.
In Squeak, the Little Grey Squirrel, readers meet the spunky little squirrel who’s always up to something, and never fails to make a mess. But he also makes childhood memories, inspires questions, and teaches little lessons about compassion, curiosity, and nature.
Lori’s stories are about real experiences and genuine emotions.
When Leo and Evlyn, the grandchildren, find a baby squirrel who’s tumbled from a tree, their rescue mission unfolds just like it did one summer afternoon.
And that’s the charm of Lori J.’s work. It’s memory-reliving.
Where Learning Meets Laughter
AuthorLoriJ turns everyday chaos into teachable joy.
Her stories preach through play and giggles. These tales observe the little things, like the way a toddler reacts to a squirrel stealing an object or the teamwork involved in helping a baby animal.
And that’s no accident. Lori knows how toddlers think, how they process emotions, and how they learn through play.
Parents may not get an instruction manual at the hospital (she laughs about that often), but through her stories, Lori offers gentle ideas and practical support. No judgment. Just a warm hand from someone who’s been there.
More Than Just a Story: A Playful World of Learning
Lori J.’s books are an experience. Children’s books are mostly just pictures and a few words, but AuthorLoriJ does so much more than that.
That’s why she created Squeak’s Colouring Book, a companion to her picture books, where children get to be illustrators. It’s hands-on, creative, and a delightful extension of the story.
Kids help bring Squeak to life, the animal they had only read about.
Now, that’s one immersive experience.
For the parents, it’s a moment of connection, a calm activity, and a small but meaningful way to make reading time even more interactive.
A Voice Parents Can Trust
However, Lori’s pen isn’t just for children. She’s writing with parents and caregivers in mind.
She knows how hard those early years can be. She’s seen the tantrums and triumphs. And she’s passionate about offering relatable support, not textbook advice, but stories that feel like a friend pulling up a chair and saying, “Let me tell you something funny that might help.”
Through author visits, parenting groups, or quiet moments spent reading with a child, Lori J. continues to share her love of learning in memorable ways, just like a squirrel’s paw prints across a frosty backyard window.
In Lori J.’s world, learning isn’t just for the classroom; it starts in the flower pots, the tree branches, and the giggles of every curious child.
Conclusion
Several more adventures are on the horizon. Lori plans to keep bringing real learning to life. She’s open to speaking events, storytelling sessions, and community chats with parents and educators.
And yes, more squirrel shenanigans are likely in the works.
Because when your stories come from the heart, and your backyard is full of inspiration, there’s always a new page waiting to be written.
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