Rooster and Squid

Bowling Burglar

Children - Animals
76 Pages
Reviewed on 05/16/2025
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Stewart Brian for Readers' Favorite

Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar by Jen Cole is a well-written, insightful story that exceptionally blends mystery and humor. Rooster, a golden retriever, and Squid, a cat, were rescued by Wilson and Gen, who were both doctors at an animal hospital. Wilson and Gen had 3 kids. While the family was having dinner at a picnic table, suddenly there was a crash of broken glass in the yard next door. Ms. Canvas was standing in her living room, holding a frying pan and staring at her broken window. As the mystery unfolds, Rooster and Squid are courageous enough to save the day as heroes. This book also features some interesting tips and fun facts.

I loved every aspect of this book from start to finish. The author handled the entire plot of the story in such a way that it had a natural yet engaging pace. This author covers morally sound themes on family bonding, love and care for pets, courage, and more. The writing was concise, straightforward, and easy to comprehend. I also loved the stylish font used in this book. All these details stood out in making this a unique and fun read. Every character in the story was well-developed, and I found some of the characters' names hilarious. One aspect that I benefited greatly from was the tips and fun facts. I learned some new things for the first time from this book. I recommend Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar by Jen Cole to all pet owners and animal lovers.

Diana Lopez

Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar by Jen Cole is a fun and educational story about caring for our pets. Rooster is a loyal Golden Retriever, and Squid is a wily grey cat. Both are rescued animals, and they spend a lot of time at the animal hospital where their owners work. So they see all kinds of situations that happen to other pets, like insect bites or discomfort from eating foreign objects. But they also learn how these cases can be treated and avoided. They spend time at home with the family. One night, a thief takes a clock from the house next door. The clues indicate a man and his dog, and thanks to their observation skills, Rooster and Squid are capable of solving the mystery.

What I liked most about Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar is that it offers pet care advice in a natural and kid-friendly way. Jen Cole describes real situations that dogs and cats can experience, such as being overweight, and the importance of a balanced diet. The narration is good and stands out in the descriptions of the characters and emotions, which allow readers to empathize with the animals and understand why they need attention and affection. I consider this book a good choice for anyone who plans to have a pet or is just starting to bond with one. I also loved Rooster and Squid because they have different points of view, but they complement each other very well, showing that despite differences, a great friendship can be forged. The illustrations by Andrew Laitinen are fun. I wish these had included all the characters, so we could get to know them better.

Luwi Nyakansaila

Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar is a delightful children's storybook written by Jen Cole, with illustrations by Andrew Laitinen. It follows a Golden Retriever named Rooster and his best friend, a cat named Squid, who live with a family of veterinarians. Together, they help out at the vet center, interacting with visitors and making friends with the animals that come for treatment. One day, a crime occurs in their neighborhood when a burglar breaks into Ms. Canva’s house and steals something precious to her. Oddly enough, the criminal leaves behind evidence suggesting that an accomplice was a dog. Rooster and Squid decide that they cannot let the crime go unchecked; they team up with the police and begin connecting the clues in hopes of catching the culprit. Join Rooster and Squid on this fun adventure and learn about animals along the way.

Rooster and Squid: Bowling Burglar is part of the Rooster and Squid book series by Jen Cole. The story is humorous and contains educational elements alongside interesting characters. Rooster and Squid are fun-loving pets who tease each other constantly, and their silly behavior and playful antics make them relatable and lovable. The book features characters with quirky names, including Officer Catchum, a police officer on the burglary case, Mr. Handy, the repairman, and Mr. Dollar, a man with a pet who loves to eat pennies. The story is entertaining with an engaging plot and simple language that children can easily understand. Additionally, it raises awareness about pet care and emphasizes the importance of showing kindness to rescue animals. The author also shares tips on topics such as obesity, zinc toxicity, bee stings, and visual problems that animals may face. Overall, this is a great read and a must-have for anyone who loves fun animal adventure stories, with mystery and drama.