SERAFINA MAKES WAVES

Coming March 31st, 2026

PREORDER
 

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

★STARRED REVIEW “Gr 1-2–Despite the fact that Serafina loathes water, the “Powers that Be” (her parents) have decided that the time has come for her to learn how to swim. Serafina finds herself at the edge of “a disgusting pit of seething water.” Her friend Lennie, a goofy dog in hilarious swim trunks, gets overexcited and knocks Serafina’s stuffed animal, Noodles, into the water. A split second decision to rescue her beloved friend finds Serafina “horrified, flabbergasted and gobsmacked” in a soaking wet “cat astrophe.” Once the shock subsides, Serafina finds that she loves the water! Readers will enjoy seeing all her water exploits, including a grand finale of Serafina waterskiing. The pictures capture Serafina’s emotional journey from disgust to triumph, and readers, especially those with a water aversion, will connect with this child’s plight and laugh right along with her aquatic adventures. VERDICT: Rich vocabulary and a hilarious water hating cat make this a stellar choice; highly recommended and highly enjoyable.”
–John Scott, School Library Journal

Introducing an irresistibly over-the-top new kitty character who’s ready to make a big splash!

Meet Serafina. If there’s one thing you should know about Serafina, it’s that she absolutely, positively HATES water. Running faucets, rain, or the sea? No thank you. So even though she looks fantastic in goggles, Serafina is NOT happy to be forced into a swim class by the powers that be. NOTHING can convince her to get into that disgusting pit of seething water. Nothing, that is, except maybe a very beloved old friend who needs a hand. 

The first book in an unforgettable new picture book series from acclaimed creators Matthew Burgess and Robin Rosenthal shows how trying something new can lead to unexpected joy.