There’s no guidebook for grief. And there’s certainly no manual handed out when you become a parent. Lori J. Thompson has experienced both and turned those real-life moments into stories that comfort, connect, and gently teach.
Before she was an author, Lori J. was a mother of five, a preschool educator, and a woman who endured the unimaginable: losing a child to SIDS. That pain never disappears, but it transforms. And for Lori, that transformation happened through a pen and paper… and a squirrel.
From Preschool to Picture Books
Lori’s journey began in Rotorua, New Zealand, where she ran a 10-acre hobby farm, homeschooled her children, and eventually opened a preschool. “My expertise is with toddlers… I love these little people. They are so smart, they catch on quickly, and are fun to be with,” she recalls.
For 14 years, she operated the preschool as owner, head teacher, and licensee. There, she developed a special talent: writing learning stories to document a child’s growth. That skill would later evolve into full-length picture books. After retiring, Lori began to write again, this time not as a teacher, but as a grandmother inspired by backyard squirrels and wide-eyed grandchildren.
Meet Squeak: The Squirrel Who Helped Heal
Squeak, the mischievous little grey squirrel, wasn’t born in a vacuum. He was born outside Lori’s window.
Her grandchildren had come from New Zealand to visit. Each day, a squirrel would appear outside the window, digging in flowerpots, scurrying along railings, and generally making a mess. Lori turned those playful sightings into stories, at first just for fun. But when her sister-in-law read the early drafts, she said her story was “good enough to be published.”
And so, Squeak, the Little Grey Squirrel, became Lori J.’s debut. A second book followed: Squeak Meets New Friends. A coloring book came next. She’s now planning a third story and audio versions of each book.
Why Parents Keep Coming Back to Lori J’s Books
Lori’s books aren’t preachy. They don’t tell parents how to raise their kids. They gently model kindness, observation, problem-solving, and connection. They are written by someone who’s been there as a teacher, a parent, a grandparent, and someone who knows how much support young families need.
“Parenting is a very personal thing,” says Lori. “I am not the one to tell you how to, but to offer helpful hints to make the home more comfortable and fun!”
These are the values her books embody:
- Real-life inspiration: Squirrels, grandkids, backyard adventures; it’s all real.
- Gentle humor: Messy flower pots, squirrel surprises, and Great Gramma’s playful scolding make kids giggle.
- Emotional depth: Themes of empathy, family, and helping others run through every page.
- Interactive learning: With the coloring book companion, kids become illustrators of the story.
Beyond the Books: Lori J. as a Parenting Ally
Lori doesn’t just write for children. She also writes with caregivers in mind. Her years as a preschool owner taught her that parents often feel lost and isolated, especially in those early years.
She believes that simple, joyful stories can bridge that gap.
Ways Lori Hopes to Support Families:
- Speaking to parent groups and educators.
- Creating content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.
- Offering her books through Amazon and online bookstores.
- Publishing future stories with coloring books and audio formats.
A Life Rewritten
Lori’s story is one of reinvention. She left an abusive marriage, beat cancer, raised four children, and started over at 60. Today, she lives in the Okanagan, skis in winter, hikes in summer, and enjoys every moment of retirement with the same enthusiasm she brings to her books.
“Writing and publishing storybooks is my second greatest achievement,” she says. “I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished in six years.”
Her greatest achievement is “stepping out of my abusive marriage in New Zealand.”
Lori hopes her stories offer something beyond entertainment.
She wants them to bring comfort to kids, connection to families, and maybe even a little healing to those who need it most.
Conclusion
From a painful past came a playful squirrel. From grief came giggles. And from Lori J. Thompson’s life experience came books that gently guide children forward.
Lori’s message is to love little ones, cherish the moments, and never underestimate the joy of a squirrel on your porch.
