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Squids will be squids book cover

Squids will be squids

by Jon Scieszka, Lane Smith

DIANE Publishing Company 1998

★★★★★

Great fit for 3rd grade

Reading level and content both target K–3rd grade · ages 5–9

3rd grade English
48
Pages
0.5
AR Points
10m
Read time
AR Quiz Available

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Genre

Fables

Themes

  • humor
  • morals and ethics
  • satire
  • consequences
  • folklore parody
  • school and family life
  • wordplay
  • critical thinking

About this book

This witty picture book reimagines classic fables with a modern, mischievous twist. Each short tale features outrageous characters and ends with a tongue‑in‑cheek moral that invites kids to think and laugh at the same time. Lane Smith’s bold, quirky art pairs perfectly with Jon Scieszka’s offbeat humor, making it a fun read‑aloud and a springboard for talking about what a fable is. Great for elementary readers who enjoy silly stories, wordplay, and satire.

Setting: various contemporary, humorous vignettes

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Squids will be squids right for my child?

Yes — Squids will be squids is a great fit for 3rd grade. The reading level is AR 3.8, which is typical for 3rd grade. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3), meaning the themes and content are designed for ages 5–9 (K–3rd grade). Themes include humor, morals and ethics, satire.

How long does it take to read Squids will be squids?

At a typical 3rd grade reading pace, Squids will be squids takes around 10m to finish. The book has 1,400 words. Slower or faster readers may vary significantly.

Does Squids will be squids have an AR quiz?

Yes — Squids will be squids has an AR quiz available, worth 0.5 points. Your child will need to take and pass the quiz through their school's Accelerated Reader program to earn credit. The quiz is typically 5–20 multiple choice questions about plot, characters, and setting.

What grade level is Squids will be squids?

Squids will be squids has an AR reading level of 3.8, which places it at a 3rd grade reading difficulty. The interest level is rated Lower Grades (K–3) — this reflects the age-appropriateness of the content and themes, not just the reading difficulty. A strong younger reader may handle the words fine while the themes are aimed at an older audience, or vice versa.