Book Review of Squid in Pants
The Children’s Book Review
Squid in Pants
Written and Illustrated by Kaz Windness
Ages: 4+ | 32 Pages
Publisher: Simon Spotlight (2025) | ISBN-13: 9781665944298
What to Expect: Humor, rhyming words, early reading skills, fashion, marine animals, silliness.
In Squid in Pants, Theodore Geisel Honor–winning author-illustrator Kaz Windness delivers another delightfully goofy early reader that’s sure to spark giggles and engage even the youngest bookworms.
With punchy rhymes, quirky illustrations, and a cephalopod protagonist who just wants to look fabulous, this Ready-to-Read Level 1 title hits the sweet spot between early literacy and pure fun. The story begins with a squid spotting an irresistible fashion find: a boatload of abandoned clothes. “Two shoes. FLIP-FLOP! / One shirt. / Tank top!” But when the clothes’ original owner returns, it’s not the end—it’s the beginning of a hilarious and friendly negotiation.
The rhythmic, rhyming text is a joy to read aloud, encouraging phonemic awareness and word recognition while inviting kids to shout along with the silly sound effects. Windness’s expressive illustrations bring humor and heart to every spread, perfectly complementing the spare, clever text. The squid’s antics—flopping into pants and striking deals—are joyfully amusing, while the warm, whimsical artwork ensures the humor stays light and inviting. Perfect for rising readers, Squid in Pants blends early phonics practice with visual storytelling that rewards observation and sparks imagination. Children will laugh, repeat, and reread—hallmarks of an effective early reader.
With its under-the-sea twist on dress-up fun, this book is a charming addition to any beginning reader’s shelf. Thoughtfully designed for the youngest readers, Squid in Pants proves that even a few carefully chosen words can inspire a whole lot of joy.
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About the Author
Kaz Windness is the author-illustrator of picture books Swim, Jim! and Bitsy Bat, School Star, which received starred reviews from Kirkus Reviews, School Library Journal, and BookPage. She created the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Level 1 Ready-to-Read Graphics book Worm and Caterpillar Are Friends, which received a starred review and is a Junior Library Guild selection, and the Level 1 Ready-to-Reads Cat vs. Vac and Go! Go! Dino!. Kaz is also the illustrator of Ollie, the Acorn, and the Mighty Idea by Andrew Hacket and the author of When You Love a Book, illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee.
When she’s not writing or illustrating books, Kaz teaches illustration at the Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design and enjoys making deep-dish pizza. Kaz lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and Boston terrier.
Visit her at WindnessBooks.com.
