Inspire the Next Generation of Animal Lovers
Share entertaining stories that help children become more curious about animals, responsible pet care, and veterinary medicine.
Written by veterinarian Dr. Jen Cole, the Rooster & Squid series combines funny mysteries with real pet tips and animal facts for readers ages 6–10.

Written by a Veterinarian

Real Pet Topics

Kid-Friendly Mysteries

Ages 6–10
Children’s Books With a Real Veterinary Connection
Rooster and Squid live with a veterinary family and spend much of their time around the Trout Springs Animal Hospital.
Their adventures introduce young readers to pets with health concerns, animal emergencies, wildlife encounters, farm animals, and the everyday importance of responsible care.
Each story is written to entertain first. The veterinary information is naturally connected to the plot and explained further in the Tips from Rooster and Squid section at the end of the book.
Created by Veterinarian Dr. Jen Cole
Dr. Jen Cole practiced small-animal medicine for more than 25 years before combining her love of animals with her love of storytelling.
Through Rooster and Squid, she gives children a funny and approachable introduction to veterinary medicine while encouraging curiosity, kindness, and respect for animals.
First Through Fourth Grade
Chapter Books for Growing Readers
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.

Chapter Books for First Graders
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.

Chapter Books for Second Graders
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.

Chapter Books for Third Graders
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.

Chapter Books for Fourth Graders
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.
Ways Veterinary Clinics Can Use Rooster & Squid
- Add books to a children’s waiting area
- Offer individual titles or bundles for sale
- Give books as prizes or special gifts
- Include books in community-outreach programs
- Support future-veterinarian activities
- Use the stories during school or library visits
- Feature relevant titles during pet-awareness campaigns
- Create an animal-themed reading corner
- Share age-appropriate pet-care lessons with families
Pet Topics Young Readers Can Explore
Across the series, children encounter approachable information about:
- Preventive pet care
- Common dog and cat health concerns
- Pet nutrition and household dangers
- Animal emergencies and recovery
- Wildlife and farm animals
- Pet travel and safety
- Veterinary tools and procedures
- The responsibilities of caring for an animal
Individual book pages identify the specific pet tips and animal facts included in each adventure.
Encourage Children Who Want to Become Veterinarians
Many children dream of becoming veterinarians before they understand what veterinary medicine involves.
Rooster & Squid gives those young readers an engaging starting point. The stories show veterinarians caring for animals, communicating with pet owners, solving problems, and helping their community.
The books can complement clinic tours, school visits, career days, youth programs, or conversations with children who are curious about working with animals.
Explore
Four Book-Specific Printables for Every Adventure
Each Rooster & Squid book has an optional printable activity pack containing four book-specific printouts. The activities help young readers revisit the story, characters, animal facts, and pet-care lessons after reading. For any veterinary clinics interested in using the activities can contact us for more information.
Order Books for Your Veterinary Clinic
Choose books for your waiting room, retail area, team outreach, client gifts, or educational programs.
Available options include:
- Individual books
- 3-Book Starter Bundle
- Veterinary Clinic Collection
- Complete Series Collection
- Printable activity packs
- Bulk and organization orders
Veterinary clinics can ask about wholesale and bulk ordering options. Availability and pricing may depend on the titles and quantities requested.
Invite Dr. Jen Cole to Your Event
Dr. Jen Cole may be available for veterinary conferences, clinic events, student programs, podcasts, interviews, and community presentations.
She can speak about veterinary medicine, writing for children, responsible pet care, and the inspiration behind Rooster and Squid.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who writes the Rooster & Squid books?
The series is written by Dr. Jen Cole, a veterinarian with more than 25 years of experience in small-animal medicine.
What age group are the books for?
Rooster & Squid books are recommended for children ages 6–10. They work well for independent reading and family read-alouds.
Are the books educational?
The books are humorous mysteries, but each story also introduces real animal and pet-care topics. Additional tips and fun facts appear at the end of every adventure.
What veterinary topics are included?
Topics vary by book and include preventive care, pet nutrition, common health concerns, animal behavior, veterinary procedures, emergencies, farm animals, wildlife, and pet safety.
Do the books replace veterinary advice?
No. Rooster & Squid books provide general, age-appropriate educational information for children. They are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a veterinarian.
Can veterinary clinics order books at wholesale?
Clinics can contact us to discuss wholesale and bulk ordering options. Availability and pricing may depend on the titles and quantities requested.
Can veterinary clinics resell the books?
Clinics interested in stocking Rooster & Squid can submit an order inquiry with the expected quantity and intended use.
Can the books be used for future-veterinarian programs?
Yes. The stories can complement clinic tours, school outreach, career discussions, reading programs, and events for children interested in veterinary medicine.
Are printable activities available for clinics?
Each book has an optional activity pack containing four book-specific printouts. Clinics interested in using the activities with groups can contact us for more information.
Can Dr. Jen Cole speak at a veterinary event?
Speaking and media inquiries are welcome for conferences, clinic programs, podcasts, interviews, and community events.
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Bring Rooster & Squid to Your Clinic
Encourage children to read, learn about animals, and imagine a future in veterinary medicine.