Laura Ford is a children’s educator, co-author, and creative force behind Circle of Friends. With a strong background in early childhood creativity in making stories and the art , Laura brings her passion for learning, imagination and the natural world into every story she helps create. Her work focuses on helping families and teachers transform storytime into meaningful learning experiences through character development, read-aloud strategies, and hands-on activities that extend the lessons from Shaun B. Ford’s stories into everyday life.

Laura’s love for nature began in childhood catching insects, tending small gardens, and caring for animals sparked her lifelong curiosity about the environment. Today, she lives in Oregon, where she’s an active member of a local garden club and enjoys nurturing her own colorful garden filled with flowers and plants. Her deep appreciation for animals, insects, and the world around her continues to inspire the imaginative, nature-centered adventures in the Squishy Bug series.