Give young readers stories that make them laugh, think, and ask questions about the animals around them.
The Rooster & Squid series combines kid-friendly mysteries, memorable characters, and real pet-care facts from veterinarian Dr. Jen Cole. Each chapter book tells a complete story, allowing teachers and students to choose the adventures that interest them most.
Rooster, a loyal Golden Retriever, and Squid, a clever and sarcastic cat, have a habit of finding trouble wherever they go. Their adventures take readers from an animal hospital and small-town businesses to campgrounds, farms, city streets, and unexpected emergencies.
Students can follow clues, consider different solutions, learn from the characters’ choices, and discover fascinating information about animals along the way.
Because every book contains a complete adventure, teachers can select titles based on classroom interests, seasonal themes, or the animal topics being discussed.
First Through Fourth Grade
Children develop reading skills at different speeds, so grade level should be treated as a helpful guide. The Rooster & Squid books can be enjoyed independently, with reading support, or as family read-alouds.
For many first graders, Rooster & Squid will work best as a read-aloud or shared reading experience. Advanced first-grade readers who are ready for longer stories can begin exploring the short chapters, animal characters, and easy-to-follow mysteries.
Second graders can enjoy the books as family read-alouds, supported reading, or independent reading based on their current ability. The humor and unfolding mysteries encourage children to continue from one chapter to the next.
Rooster & Squid is a strong fit for many third graders reading independently. Children can follow clues, make predictions, explore new vocabulary, and learn real pet-care facts while enjoying the adventure.
Fourth graders can enjoy Rooster & Squid as accessible, fast-moving independent reading. The series is especially suited to animal lovers, mystery fans, aspiring veterinarians, and readers who prefer shorter chapter books.
Add individual adventures or the complete collection to your classroom library so students can choose stories based on their interests.
The short chapters, animal characters, and ongoing mysteries give developing readers a clear reason to continue reading.
Use the stories to start conversations about clues, character choices, friendship, animals, and responsible pet care.
Connect each book’s pet tips and animal facts to elementary science, career exploration, or animal-care discussions.
Invite students to predict what will happen, develop their own mystery, create an animal character, or explain a pet-care fact in their own words.
Each Rooster & Squid title has an optional printable activity pack containing four book-specific printouts. The activities help students revisit the story, characters, clues, themes, and animal facts after reading.
Bring the stories and veterinary lessons to life with an author visit from Dr. Jen Cole.
Author visits can introduce students to the writing process, veterinary medicine, animal care, storytelling, and the inspiration behind Rooster and Squid.
In-person and virtual opportunities may be available.
Choose the option that fits your students:
Schools that use purchase orders can contact us for ordering information.
The series is recommended for children ages 6–10. The books can be used for independent reading, small-group instruction, or classroom read-alouds.
No. Every book tells a complete story. Students can begin with any title and choose additional adventures based on their interests.
Yes. Every adventure includes real pet tips and animal facts connected to topics within the story. The mysteries also encourage observation, reading comprehension, and problem-solving.
Book-specific printable activity packs are available separately. Each pack contains four printouts inspired by its corresponding story.
Bulk and organization ordering options are available. Schools that need to use a purchase order can contact us with the requested titles, quantities, billing requirements, and desired delivery date.
Fill your classroom with funny mysteries, animal-filled adventures, and facts students will want to share long after reading.
