Author Lori J., creator of the Squeak series, brings more than 30 years of early childhood education experience to her work. Her books for ages 2-5 connect stories with emotional learning through everyday moments that develop empathy and understanding of others.
Why Emotional Intelligence Starts Early
Emotional intelligence begins with learning to notice feelings. Young children are still building the language needed to explain fear, excitement, sadness, frustration, and care. Stories give them a safe way to explore these feelings through characters.
Children can watch a character face a problem and consider what that character may need. Parents can ask simple questions such as, “How do you think Squeak feels?” or “What could we do to help?”
This approach connects with Author Lori J.’s years in early childhood education and her understanding of stories and social learning.
Squeak’s Adventures Teach Empathy
Empathy grows when children begin to notice experiences beyond their own. Squeak Meets New Friends gives young readers an example scenario. Leo and Evlyn discover Squeak’s baby that has fallen out of the tree and needs help. Their response creates a gentle lesson about caring for another living being.
The story gives adults a natural starting point for discussing kindness. Children can talk about what the baby squirrel might be feeling. They can consider the characters’ responses. These small discussions can help children connect actions with feelings.
From Feelings to Kind Actions
Emotional intelligence is not just identifying emotions. Children also need chances to connect feelings with actions. A story can show this process in a way that feels easy to understand.
Squeak’s adventures use friendship, bravery, curiosity, and kindness as recurring themes. A child may see Squeak face something unfamiliar and begin thinking about their own experiences. It can lead to questions about being brave, asking for help, sharing, or helping a friend.
Parents also play a huge role in taking the lessons learned beyond the page into real life. After reading, adults can ask children to describe a time they helped someone. They can also invite children to notice how family members or animals may be feeling. These conversations make emotional learning part of everyday life.
Why Children’s Books Matter in Emotional Learning
Picture books make abstract ideas easier for young children to grasp. Feelings can be difficult to explain. A character with a clear situation gives children something they can see, discuss, and remember.
Author Lori J.’s Squeak series also focuses on nature. Squeak was inspired by squirrels visiting her backyard. Nature is a great way to discuss care, patience, curiosity, responsibility, and connection to the planet.
The books support shared reading. When an adult reads with a child, the child has space to ask questions and express reactions. It can also give adults insight into what a child understands about feelings.
Author Lori J.’s Approach to Young Readers
Author Lori J.’s philosophy also reinforces her belief in what she calls “Terrific Twos.” She writes, “I believe in ‘Terrific Twos,’ not ‘Terrible Twos’!” Her view treats toddlerhood as a period of curiosity, discovery, and growth.
That perspective is visible in the Squeak series. Squeak, The Little Grey Squirrel introduces curiosity and bravery. Squeak Meets New Friends focuses on friendship, kindness, and helping others. Squeak’s Coloring Book lets children engage further with familiar art and creative activities.
Together, the books give families several ways to talk, read, observe, and create.
Turning Story Time Into Emotional Practice
Parents and educators can make emotional learning part of a regular reading routine. A few simple habits can help:
-
Ask children how a character feels before explaining the answer.
-
Point to facial expressions and actions that show emotion.
-
Connect story situations with familiar moments from the child’s life.
-
Praise thoughtful answers, questions, and caring observations.
-
Let children retell parts of the story in their own words.
Squeak’s Colouring Book is particularly important to the process. As children color scenes from the adventures, adults can revisit what happened in each scene. They can ask what a character might be thinking or feeling, connecting creative expression with conversation.
A Lasting Role for Children’s Stories
Children’s books can give young readers language for discussing emotions. Much of the value comes after the final page. A question, a shared laugh, or a conversation about helping someone can carry the story into daily life.
Author Lori J. combines all of this in the Squeak series through stories shaped by early childhood experiences and family moments. Her books give parents and educators openings for discussing empathy, kindness, confidence, and feelings.
Families can explore the Squeak series and learn more through Author Lori J.’s Parents section. Connect with Author Lori J. to follow her work and discover more stories for young readers.