Former veterinarian Jen Cole has launched a new children's book series called "Rooster and Squid" following her retirement from a 25-year career in small animal medicine. The series represents Cole's effort to combine her professional expertise with creative writing, targeting both entertainment and education for young readers and their families.
The books center on two rescued animals: Rooster, a Golden Retriever who enjoys belly rubs and bacon, and Squid, a grey cat who prefers naps and butt scratches. After being rescued by a town veterinarian, the characters find a loving home and embark on various adventures. Cole developed the series to share her knowledge of animal care with younger generations while providing wholesome reading material.
"I believe any parent or child who enjoys a good wholesome adventure or mystery will enjoy this series," Cole stated, emphasizing that readers will "learn a great deal about caring for the pets that are part of their family." The author hopes children can relate to the colorful characters while absorbing practical information about pet responsibility.
The series is published through Lucid Books, an independent hybrid publisher based in the Houston area that describes itself as offering "the connections and expertise of a traditional publisher with the author involvement of a self-publisher." According to the publisher's statement, they exist "to help authors inspire, inform, and enrich the lives of their readers."
Cole's background includes growing up in Kingwood, Texas, where she developed an early love for sports and animals, followed by education at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. She and her husband, Wil, have three children and practiced veterinary medicine in Spring, Texas, before her retirement. Additional information about the book series is available at www.roosterandsquid.com.
This publishing development matters because it represents a growing trend of professionals transitioning their expertise into educational children's literature. With increasing concerns about pet abandonment and improper animal care, materials that combine entertainment with practical knowledge can help shape responsible attitudes in young readers. The series' focus on rescued animals also addresses important themes of animal welfare and adoption.
For the publishing industry, Cole's partnership with a hybrid publisher like Lucid Books demonstrates how non-traditional publishing models enable subject matter experts to share specialized knowledge through accessible formats. The series has already received positive feedback from families across the United States, suggesting a market for content that merges professional veterinary insight with engaging storytelling for children.
