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Leavitt Peak Press · Children's Picture Book

The Squirrel's
Finnegan

A heartwarming story about the Finnegan family — and their journey of unconditional love, acceptance, and the beautiful challenges of raising a child with special needs.

5.0 · Readers' Favourite
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The Squirrel's Finnegan Book Cover
by J. Russell BrooksPublished Feb 11, 2026 · 48 pages
The Story

About the Book

A beautifully illustrated picture book that opens hearts and starts important conversations.

Family reading The Squirrel's Finnegan
48Illustrated Pages

The Squirrel's Finnegan tells the real-life story of the Finnegan family — a family whose journey has been shaped by the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs. Author J. Russell Brooks writes from the heart, drawing on personal experience to bring this story to life.

“My fondest wish is that parents will sit down with their children and read this book together, in the hopes that together they can talk about and learn about the issues covered in this book.”

The Finnegan family story gives other families a better understanding of what it's like to have a child with special needs. Joe and Robin fought hard and made many sacrifices to ensure their child would grow up to be a productive adult. This story will help parents and children embrace the differences among people.

48Pages
5.0Star Rating
2026Published

Unconditional Love

A touching portrayal of a family's boundless love for their child with special needs.

Family & Community

Explores how families and communities can come together to support one another.

Growth & Acceptance

Teaches children and parents alike about embracing differences with open hearts.

Joyful & Uplifting

A warm, hopeful story that leaves every reader with a smile and a full heart.

Meet the Author

J. Russell Brooks

Children's Author · Special Needs Advocate · Storyteller

“Every family's story deserves to be told.”

J. Russell Brooks is a passionate children's author whose writing is deeply rooted in real-life experience. Having witnessed firsthand the joys and challenges of raising a child with special needs, Brooks brings an authentic, compassionate voice to every page of The Squirrel's Finnegan.

Brooks' fondest wish is that parents and children will sit down together and read this book — opening conversations about differences, empathy, and the power of unconditional love. The story of the Finnegan family is one of sacrifice, resilience, and hope.

Published by Leavitt Peak Press in February 2026, The Squirrel's Finnegan is Brooks' heartfelt contribution to children's literature — a book that helps families embrace and celebrate the differences among people.

Children's Book Author
Special Needs Advocate
Published by Leavitt Peak Press
Family & Community Champion
Watch & Experience

Book Trailer

Watch the official trailer for The Squirrel's Finnegan and discover the heartwarming story behind this special book.

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Watch the Official Trailer

A Real Family Story

Inspired by the true journey of the Finnegan family and their child with special needs.

Full of Heart

A story of love, sacrifice, and the beauty of embracing every child's uniqueness.

For All Families

Perfect for parents and children to read together and start meaningful conversations.

Testimonials

What Readers Say

5.0 / 5.0· Amazon Reviews
“This book made me cry happy tears. As a parent of a child with special needs, I felt so seen and understood. J. Russell Brooks captures the real emotions — the challenges, the love, the pride. I have already read it to my kids three times and we talk about it every time.”
Amanda T.

Amanda T.

Parent of a child with special needs

Perfect For

School LibrariesSpecial Needs FamiliesClassroom Read-AloudsGift GivingTherapy Sessions
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ISBN-10: 1971940119 · Published by Leavitt Peak Press · February 11, 2026