Common Sense Media Review
By Regan McMahon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Cat gets over her dislike of water in fun swimming story.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 3+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
SERAFINA MAKES WAVES begins with an unseen narrator speaking directly to the reader, explaining that a cat named Serafina hates water of any kind: puddles, falling rain, bathtub, the sea, the pool. So she's not happy when "the Powers That Be" (her parents) tell her she has to take swimming lessons at a local pool. While standing on the edge of the pool, her stuffed bunny, Noddles, gets knocked into the water and Serafina leaps in to rescue her. Much to her surprise, she finds she likes swimming—and water in general.
Is It Any Good?
This cute story of a cat going from water hater to water lover shows it's possible to change your mind about something once you give it a try. Serafina Makes Waves delivers its message with Matthew Burgess' wry humor and Robin Rosenthal's adorable cartoon-like animal characters. The unusual collection of animals in and around the pool include alligators, a tiger, penguin, raccoon, frog, dog, giraffe, rabbit, octopus, bear, sheep, mouse, dog, and koala bear, all wearing stylish bathing suits, and some with googles and arm floaties.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message of trying something new in Serafina Makes Waves. Have you ever found you liked something you hadn't tried before but assumed you'd hate? What was it?
Have you ever had swimming lessons? How did it go? What's fun about swimming? What's challenging about it?
Serafina likes swimming once she jumps in the water and sticks to it. Why is perseverance a positive character strength? What does it help you do?
Book Details
- Author :
- Illustrator : Robin Rosenthal
- Genre : Picture Book
- Topics : Animals ( Cats )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Dial Books for Young Readers
- Publication date : March 31, 2026
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 3 - 7
- Number of pages : 40
- Available on : Nook, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : March 25, 2026
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