5 Ways to Make Reading More Fun with Rooster & Squid

Reading time doesn’t have to feel like homework. With the right story, it can become something children genuinely look forward to.

For young readers who love animals, funny characters, mysteries, and learning something new along the way, the Rooster & Squid series gives families plenty to explore beyond the page.

Here are five simple ways to turn your next Rooster & Squid adventure into an even more memorable reading experience.

1. Let Them Choose the Adventure

Giving children a say in what they read can make reading feel less like an assignment and more like an adventure they chose themselves.

Instead of saying, “It’s time to read,” try asking:

“Which Rooster & Squid adventure should we read next?”

Maybe they’re in the mood for a mystery. Maybe they want animals, outdoor adventure, or something that will make them laugh.

Letting young readers choose gives them a little ownership over reading time—and a reason to get excited about opening the book.

2. Become a Trout Springs Detective

Rooster and Squid have a habit of finding themselves in the middle of unusual situations, which gives young readers plenty of opportunities to put their own detective skills to work.

As you read, stop before a big reveal and ask:

What clues have you noticed?
Who do you think is responsible?
What do you think Rooster and Squid should do next?
Did anything happen that seems suspicious?
What do you predict will happen in the next chapter?

You can even keep a small notebook nearby and create a “Case File” with suspects, clues, predictions, and questions.

Then keep reading to find out who was right.

3. Pick a Character to Follow

Rooster and Squid may be best friends, but they certainly don’t approach every situation the same way.

Rooster is a loyal Golden Retriever and family protector, while Squid brings plenty of personality, opinions, and humor to their adventures.

Ask your child:

Who would you rather have with you on an adventure—Rooster or Squid? Why?

As the story continues, talk about how the characters solve problems, help one another, react when something goes wrong, and use their different strengths.

There isn’t one right answer. That’s part of the fun.

4. Take the Learning Beyond the Book

One of the things that makes Rooster & Squid different is that real-world learning is woven naturally into the stories.

A chapter might spark a conversation about veterinary medicine, pet health, wildlife, animal behavior, fire safety, nature, responsibility, kindness, or another topic entirely.

When something catches your child’s attention, follow their curiosity.

Why do dogs get cataracts?

What does a veterinarian see on an X-ray?

How does a search-and-rescue dog use its nose?

What should we do if we encounter wildlife?

Look up the answer together, draw a diagram, watch an educational video, visit the library, or turn the question into a mini science lesson.

For homeschool families, a chapter can even become the starting point for the day’s science activity.

The story gets them curious. Let that curiosity lead the way.

5. Make Trout Springs Come to Life

Reading doesn’t have to stop when the chapter ends.

Ask your child to draw their favorite character, create a map of Trout Springs, invent a new town resident, write their own Rooster & Squid mystery, or imagine what might happen in the next book.

Younger readers might draw a scene from the story. Older readers can write their own alternate ending or create a new case for Rooster and Squid to solve.

The goal isn’t to create more schoolwork.

It’s to give children another way to play with the story, use their imagination, and make what they read their own.