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Serafina Makes Waves
  • Published: 23 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593699638
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $36.00

Serafina Makes Waves

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

This purr-fectly adorable picture book introduces 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.

From acclaimed creators Matthew Burgess and Robin Rosenthal comes an unforgettable picture book that shows how trying new things can lead to unexpected joy.
  • Published: 23 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593699638
  • Imprint: Dial
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 40
  • RRP: $36.00
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About the authors

Matthew Burgess

Matthew Burgess is a poet, educator, and the author of many picture books including Words With Wings and Magic Things, As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts, Bird Boy, and The Bear and The Moon. His books have garnered starred reviews, a Eureka! Gold Award for Excellence in Nonfiction and spots on best-of lists from the New York Public Library, Chicago Public Library, Boston Globe, Washington Post, Kirkus Reviews, Booklist and Amazon. A associate professor of literature and creative writing at Brooklyn College, Matthew has been a poet-in-residence in New York City public schools and currently serves as senior editor of Teachers & Writers Magazine.
portrait photo of Matthew Burgess

Robin Rosenthal

ROBIN ROSENTHAL is an author, illustrator and art director. She has illustrated Two Dogs on A Trike and the Big Ideas for Little Philosophers and Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists series of board books. SWEET BABE! is her authorial debut. She grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her sweet, sweet family. You can see more of her work at robinrosenthal.com.
portrait photo of Robin Rosenthal

Praise for Serafina Makes Waves

PRAISE FOR MATTHEW BURGESS:

Fireworks
* “In this joyous seasonal idyll, the creators capture with onomatopoeic eloquence the day’s sensations, with plenty of time to savor sounds, sights, and 'summer on our skin.'” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
* "Brimming with rich sensory details, Burgess’ poetic verses combine with Chien’s marvelous mixed-media artwork to celebrate the exuberant, magical moments of summertime.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)


PRAISE FOR ROBIN ROSENTHAL:

Two Dogs on a Trike written by Gabi Snyder:
“Perfectly captures the rollicking, manic joy of dogs off the leash.” —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews
“A recommended purchase” —School Library Journal

Big Ideas for Little Philosophers written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry:
"A sweet approach to encouraging meaningful discussions." —Kirkus Reviews (on Love with Plato) 

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry:
"Rosenthal offers boldly geometric art, with children of varying abilities and skin tones participating in protesting and trash pickup along the intertidal zone. Plants the seeds of environmentalism for listeners new to the subject." —Publishers Weekly (on Ecosystems with Rachel Carson)

PRAISE FOR MATTHEW BURGESS:

Fireworks
* “In this joyous seasonal idyll, the creators capture with onomatopoeic eloquence the day’s sensations, with plenty of time to savor sounds, sights, and 'summer on our skin.'” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
* "Brimming with rich sensory details, Burgess’ poetic verses combine with Chien’s marvelous mixed-media artwork to celebrate the exuberant, magical moments of summertime.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books (starred review)


PRAISE FOR ROBIN ROSENTHAL:

Two Dogs on a Trike written by Gabi Snyder:
“Perfectly captures the rollicking, manic joy of dogs off the leash.” —Starred review, Kirkus Reviews
“A recommended purchase” —School Library Journal

Big Ideas for Little Philosophers written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry:
"A sweet approach to encouraging meaningful discussions." —Kirkus Reviews (on Love with Plato) 

Big Ideas for Little Environmentalists written by Duane Armitage and Maureen McQuerry:
"Rosenthal offers boldly geometric art, with children of varying abilities and skin tones participating in protesting and trash pickup along the intertidal zone. Plants the seeds of environmentalism for listeners new to the subject." —Publishers Weekly (on Ecosystems with Rachel Carson)