Have you heard of the Rooster and Squid book series for kids?
I’m always on the lookout for new books that are wholesome, funny, and keep my kids turning pages—and I found just that recently when I stumbled upon Jen Cole at a homeschool convention showcasing her delightful Rooster and Squid chapter book series for kids.
The adorable cover, quirky title, and promise of a golden retriever and a mangy gray cat had me curious right away. I couldn’t wait to bring her brand-new book, Rooster and Squid Valentine Vandal, home to share with my kids.
Book Overview
- Title: Rooster and Squid: Valentine Vandal
- Author: Jen Cole
- Illustrator: Andrew Laitinen
- Series: Rooster and Squid
- Target Age: 7–9 (early chapter book readers)
- Genre: Humorous Mystery / Animal Adventure
In this Valentine-themed installment, Rooster (a lovable golden retriever) and Squid (a scrappy gray cat) are back—caught in the middle of a little chaos and solving a little mystery. As the rescued pets of the town vet, these two furry pets find themselves in the middle of some romantic mischief, with mysterious valentines, unexpected graffiti, and a few surprises that will keep kids guessing. There’s a spray-painting vandal on the loose threatening to ruin the Valentine’s Day social – and Rooster and Squid are ready to catch the culprit!
What We Loved about Rooster and Squid
- Engaging Characters: Rooster and Squid are hilarious and heartwarming pets. Their personalities shine through in every chapter.
- Clean, Wholesome Humor: It’s silly in all the best ways—and totally kid-safe.
- Easy-to-Read Chapters: Great pacing, easy-to-read font, short chapters, and just the right length for young readers gaining confidence with chapter books.
- Perfect for Animal Lovers: Whether your child dreams of being a vet or just adores pets, this book will speak to them.
- Great for Boys and Girls: With beloved pets as the main characters, the story appeals equally to both boys and girls.
- Seasonal Fun: The Valentine’s Day theme adds a playful and festive touch.
- Fun Vet Tips: My daughter and I loved the Tips from Rooster & Squid in the back that explain some of the new pet vocabulary integrated naturally into the text. Who knew mange could be so interesting?
Who Will Enjoy the Rooster & Squid Books?
- Kids ages 7–9 who are transitioning to chapter books
- Reluctant readers who love animals
- Families looking for wholesome fiction
- Valentine’s Day themed reading in February! Check out my other Valentine’s Day book suggestions, too!
Take it from a kid…
My daughter couldn’t stop giggling at Squid’s sarcastic remarks and Rooster’s big-hearted goofiness. The book sparked a sweet conversation about friendship, family, and the silly ways people (and pets!) show love. More than anything, she thought the overall message was about giving people second chances and using your talents for good purposes.
>>> Check out my other engaging, wholesome book picks for kids!
Rooster and Squid Valentine Vandal
Love is in the air! The week of Valentine’s Day is in full swing in Trout Springs, with red hearts, pink candy, and plenty of X’s and O’s. The town is preparing for its annual Cupid and Cupcakes social, and Ms. Canvas, the local matchmaker, is on a mission to spark some love connections. Even Squid is getting into the spirit, hoping to win the heart of his valentine crush.
But trouble looms as a spray-painting vandal threatens to ruin the festivities, leaving their mark around town in the worst possible way! Can Rooster and Squid catch the culprit before all of Trout Springs is covered in graffiti?
I met Jen Cole!
Jen Cole is a former veterinarian as well as a mom, author, and pet lover who writes clean, funny, and engaging stories for children. Meeting her in person made me love her books even more – she’s the kind of author you want to support! It was so exciting to connect with her, discover her heartwarming book series, and get my copy autographed!
If you’re looking for a sweet, funny, pet-loving story for your kids, Rooster and Squid Valentine Vandal is a perfect pick. I’m excited to check out the rest of the series too!
Disclaimer: This page includes affiliate links where I can earn a small commission if you purchase through my link. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and affiliated sites. If you purchase through my link, I can earn a small commission. And when I met Jen Cole, she provided me with a copy of her book so I could review it. All opinions are my own! Thank you for supporting my family – it helps out a LOT!