Lori Templet

With a background in illustrative and visual art, Lori has enjoyed freelance and private commission work throughout the years. Her work consist of various mediums and themes ranging from museum commissions of western art, private commissions for wildlife and landscape paintings to book covers and curriculum for pastors and churches. Lori was the recipient of the Midwest On My Own Time Art Show’s “Best of Show” for her acrylic painting “Night Stalker and “Alternate Best of Show” in ink rendering and pencil illustration.

Lori created her fuzzy little character “Tender Tike” in 1981 and over the years has continued developing his character. Tender Tike’s illustrations were originally rendered in oil and acrylics but integrated to the current mediums of water-soluble colored pencils, inks, ink washes and acrylics. Lori enjoys being able to tell a story not only through the use of the written word, but by the numerous, colorful illustrations, and emotions that characterize little Tender Tike. Being able to stimulate someone’s imagination and allow the individual to experience a childlike faith and excitement is the joy that defines the very essence and personality of Tender Tike’s character.

Her journey with Tender Tike’s Amazing Bible Journey children’s storybook began with prayer for a way to bring new excitement to primary age children. As Primary Director in her church, Lori observed that even at this tender age, some of the children seemed uninterested with standard curriculum and stories. One evening, she observed her young son reenacting the story of David and Goliath with his very best friend “Snuggles” his stuffed teddy bear. Thus, the idea and answer to prayer of “Tender Tike” was placed within her heart.

Originally, the Bible stories and illustrations of Tender Tike were used in her church’s primary department for curriculum. It was not until recently that Lori’s now adult children requested the stories and illustrations be made into a book for them and their children, which soon became a request by others. Thus, Lori began a 4- year journey to complete all 50 stories and illustrations that are found in Tender Tike’s Amazing Bible Journey storybook, in addition to her 68-page corresponding activity book, Tender Tike’s Busy Sheets. Lori is excited to now share these new children’s books. In order to broaden the outreach in sharing the Gospel through the whimsical world of Tender Tike, Lori and her husband are seeking God’s direction for founding “Tender Tike Ministries”.

Watch for future Information on new projects, travels and more – available through this website.