Books About Squids

The Best Squids Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for our other guide?

Explore our editor-reviewed guide to Sea Creatures, featuring 10 favorites and recommendations by age.

View the guide

Looking for excellent children's books about squids? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Squids

Tentacles!
Sale price
$574
Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2003

Tentacles!

By Shirley Raye Redmond, Bryn Barnard (Illustrator)

Uncover the truth behind the legendary giant squid of the deep sea.

48 pages· 834 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
4.2 Goodreads · 109 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the mystery of the giant squid, a legendary sea creature said to chase ships and battle whales. Weighing up to 1,000 pounds with eyes as big as a human head, is this monster fact or fantasy? Embark on an exciting journey to discover the truth behind these age-old tales.
Search for a Giant Squid
Sale price
$1498
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2023

Search for a Giant Squid

By Amy Seto Forrester, Andy Chou Musser (Illustrator) · Book #1 in the Science Explorers series

Embark on a deep-sea quest to find the elusive giant squid. Choose wisely; each decision shapes your adventure.

96 pages
4.3 Goodreads · 186 ratings
$15.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the ocean's twilight zone on a thrilling quest for the elusive giant squid. As part of a deep-sea expedition, you'll choose your submersible, pilot, and dive site. Each decision leads to a unique path filled with discoveries about marine life and scientific exploration. Will you uncover the secrets of the deep or face unexpected challenges? This interactive adventure not only entertains but also introduces young readers to the fascinating world of marine zoology and the diverse team behind every expedition. Perfect for curious minds eager to explore STEM and the mysteries of the ocean.
Giant Squid
Sale price
$1899
Picture Book · Ages 6–10 · 2015

Giant Squid

By Candace Fleming, Eric Rohmann (Illustrator)

A book about giant squid and their mysterious lives in the deep sea.

Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (2017)Cybils Award (2016)Charlotte Zolotow Honor (2017)Orbis Pictus Honor (2017)
40 pages· 498 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
4.3 Goodreads · 1,582 ratings
$19.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the enigmatic world of the giant squid, a creature as large as whales yet hidden in the ocean's depths. Scientists piece together its story from tantalizing clues: scars on whales, broken beaks, and inky escapes. These fragments were all we had until a groundbreaking film captured the squid in its natural habitat. This nonfiction picture book invites you to explore the mysterious life of this elusive giant, blending visual and poetic storytelling. What secrets does the deep sea hold, and what more can we discover about this hidden titan of the ocean?
Octopus Shocktopus!
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2022

Octopus Shocktopus!

By Peter Bently, Steven Lenton (Illustrator)

An octopus lands on a roof, befriends kids, then vanishes. Will it return?

FCBG Children’s Book Award (2022)
32 pages· 389 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 408 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Hardcover
Summary: An octopus mysteriously falls from the sky, landing on a village roof. While children embrace their new friend, adults remain skeptical. The octopus becomes a beloved helper, painting walls and rescuing cats. Just as the villagers grow fond of their unexpected guest, it vanishes without a trace. Where did it go, and will it ever return? Dive into this whimsical tale to uncover the mystery.
Stink and the Shark Sleepover
Sale price
$1398
Chapter Book · Ages 6–9 · 2014

Stink and the Shark Sleepover

By Megan McDonald, Peter Reynolds (Illustrator) · Book #9 in the Stink series

A young boy named Stink goes on a sleepover at an aquarium with his friends and family.

176 pages· 10,046 words· Est. 2 hour read
4.1 Goodreads · 741 ratings
$14.99Save 7%
Hardcover
Summary: Stink and his friends are thrilled about an aquarium sleepover, complete with scavenger hunts and jellyfish shows. But as night falls, eerie tales of a mutant squid named Bloody Mary stir their imaginations. Can Stink sleep knowing a glowing Frankensquid might be prowling the dark waters? Dive into a night of adventure and mystery where science meets spine-tingling suspense.
Giant Squid
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 9–10 · 2012

Giant Squid

By Mary M Cerullo · Smithsonian series

A hidden sea monster eludes scientists, leaving scars and mysteries in its wake.

48 pages· 5,682 words· Est. 48 min read
4.1 Goodreads · 160 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: In the shadowy depths of the ocean, a colossal creature stirs—a giant squid, nearly 50 feet long, with tentacles that leave scars on its foes. Despite its size, it remains a mystery, rarely seen by human eyes. Ocean scientist Clyde Roper has dedicated his life to uncovering the secrets of this elusive beast. What truths lie beneath the waves? Why does this creature evade capture and understanding? Join Roper and his team as they dive into the unknown, seeking answers to the enigma of the giant squid. Will they finally reveal the secrets of this legendary sea monster?
Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 3–5 · 2012

Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always

By Tao Nyeu

Undersea friends Squid and Octopus navigate quirky disagreements and heartwarming moments together.

40 pages· 907 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud
5.0/7 Bookroo·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,294 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Dive into the whimsical world of Squid and Octopus, best friends navigating the ocean's depths. From debating the best way to keep their tentacles warm to finding joy in everyday adventures, these two sea creatures face life's little challenges with humor and heart. When Squid dreams of being a superhero, Octopus is there to lift his spirits. As they ponder the mysteries of a fortune cookie, their bond proves unbreakable. Will their friendship weather every wave? Discover the delightful tales of camaraderie and laughter in this charming collection of undersea stories.
Fish Feud!
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2020

Fish Feud!

By Kevin Sherry · Book #1 in the Squidding Around series

A young squid named Squizzard navigates the challenges of friendship and growing up in a coral reef school.

96 pages· 2,706 words· Est. 31 min read
3.9 Goodreads · 311 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Squizzard, a lively squid, loves being the hero in every game with his best friend, Toothy. But his bossy ways push Toothy too far, creating a deep rift. As Squizzard faces loneliness at Deep Reef Elementary, can he learn from his mistakes and win back Toothy's friendship? Dive into this underwater tale of friendship, growth, and second chances.
Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel)
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017

Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show, Vol. 1 (Graphic Novel)

By Hideki Goto · Book #1 in the Splatoon: Squid Kids Comedy Show series

Join new Inklings on wild adventures in the Splatoon universe.

128 pages
3.8 Goodreads · 121 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Paperback
Summary: Dive into the vibrant world of Splatoon where new Inklings lead the charge in a series of zany adventures. As they navigate colorful challenges and unexpected twists, friendships are tested and hilarity ensues. Will these young heroes conquer the chaos of their world, or will they be swept away by the tide of their own antics? Discover the unpredictable journey that awaits in this action-packed, ink-splattered saga.
I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean!
Sale price
$1597
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2008

I'm the Best Artist in the Ocean!

By Kevin Sherry · I'm the Biggest Thing in the Ocean! series

A giant squid's artistic masterpiece causes unexpected chaos in the ocean.

24 pages
3.6 Goodreads · 656 ratings
$16.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: The ocean's biggest squid returns, boasting his artistic prowess by creating a grand ink masterpiece. But as he splashes his creativity across the sea, his fellow marine creatures might not be as impressed as he hopes. Will his artistic ambitions lead to admiration or chaos? Dive into this vibrant tale to discover the surprising reactions of his underwater audience.
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Squids Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about squids for preschool and elementary-age readers.

After Squidnight
Sale price
$1299

After Squidnight

Ages 4–8 · 2020

Midnight squids invade, leaving inky chaos and art behind.

Squids
Series
Sale price
$2665

Squids

Ages 4–8 · 2006

Discover the secret lives of squids and their unique defenses.

Stubby the Fearless Squid
Sale price
$1799

Stubby the Fearless Squid

Ages 5–9 · 2019

A timid squid's tall tales lead to real danger. Can he find true courage when it matters most?

View all squids picture books
Browse by age

Squids Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about squids for developing and independent readers.

Fiercest Feuds
Series
Sale price
$1099

Fiercest Feuds

Ages 6–9 · 2022

Which animal reigns supreme in epic battles? Discover the ultimate showdown.

Squid-napped!
Series
Sale price
$699

Squid-napped!

Ages 6–9 · 2013

A young shark's quest for independence leads to a giant squid encounter.

View all squids chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about best friendsBooks about octopuses