Serafina Makes Waves
Matthew Burgess
With summertime in full swing, I thought this was the perfect book to read this month. Everyone loves going to the pool and making a splash in the summer heat, right? Well, maybe not everyone because Serafina loathes swimming and water in general.
Whether it’s rain, a bath or the ocean, Serafina DESPISES the water!!! Perhaps it’s because she’s a cat, or maybe because water is just plain awful, she does her best to avoid it. Unfortunately, her parents sign her up for swim lessons without consulting her—how rude! She claws, she screams, she puts on her best kitty-cat eyes and she hides in her best hiding spot, but to no avail. That’s how she finds herself surrounded by splashing swimmers and a big pool of water, which she refuses to get into. Until … her precious stuffed bunny, Noodles, is knocked in, and Serafina has no choice but to jump in and rescue her. She quickly discovers that maybe she misjudged how bad water is.
A perfect book for summertime, Serafina Makes Waves, is enjoyable for children of all ages. Serafina could possibly help younger swimmers overcome their own fears of water. Trying new things can be scary, but sometimes we discover our new favorite things, like swimming!
The storytelling is fantastic and involves readers by breaking the fourth wall and speaking to us directly. This would definitely be a fun story to read aloud! Also, Robin Rosenthal’s illustrations are filled with vibrant colors, and she captures Serafina’s personality wonderfully, making it impossible to not find her cute. A must read for those who love cats, and even those who don’t!
