Review Detail

Serfina Makes Waves by Matthew Burgess is an adorable picture book about a cat who despises water but must face her fears when her parents sign her up for swimming lessons.

What I Liked: The illustrations by Robin Rosenthal are the highlight of this book. They are vibrant, playful, and filled with clever details. I especially loved how expressive Serafina is; Rosenthal captures her personality so well that you instantly understand exactly what she’s feeling on every page.

Equally engaging is the storytelling. Burgess involves the reader by breaking the "fourth wall" and speaking directly to the audience. This narrative style makes for a fantastic read-aloud experience, and my Kindergarten through 3rd-grade classes absolutely loved it. Most importantly, the students really connected with the book's core message: sometimes, when you step out of your comfort zone and try something new, you might just find that you love it.

Ultimately, Serafina Makes Waves is a charming picture book that combines a splash of humor with a wonderful lesson on bravery.