Grade K–3Self-Expression & Confidence

Serafina Makes Waves

Written by Matthew Burgess

Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita

Serafina is a girl who does everything with her whole heart — she dances, she sings, she splashes, she shouts. Some people think she's too much. But Serafina knows that making waves is exactly what she was made to do. A joyful, exuberant celebration of girls who take up space, express themselves boldly, and refuse to shrink.

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From the Library Director

This book is pure joy from cover to cover. Matthew Burgess writes with such warmth and energy, and Kaylani Juanita's illustrations are absolutely electric — the color, the movement, the life in every page. It's a book for every kid who has ever been told they're too loud, too much, too big. Serafina doesn't shrink, and this book gives kids permission not to either. It's a natural fit for conversations about self-expression, confidence, and belonging — and it's one of those read-alouds where kids are practically bouncing in their seats by the end. A must-have for any K–3 classroom or library.

Big Idea

Being yourself — fully, loudly, and without apology — is not too much. It's exactly enough.

Discussion Questions

1
How would you describe Serafina? What makes her special?
2
Has anyone ever told you that you were 'too much' or 'too loud'? How did that make you feel? What did you do?
3
What does it mean to 'make waves'? Can making waves be a good thing?
4
Serafina does everything with her whole heart. What is something YOU do with your whole heart?
5
Why do you think some people might feel uncomfortable when others express themselves boldly? What could we do to make everyone feel welcome to be themselves?
6
How do the illustrations show Serafina's personality? What colors, shapes, and details did the illustrator use to capture her energy?
7
The book celebrates taking up space. What does 'taking up space' mean to you — and why might it be important for everyone to feel they can do that?
8
If Serafina came to your school, what do you think she would do? Would you want to be her friend? Why?

Activity: I Make Waves When I…

Students celebrate their own boldest, most expressive selves — identifying what makes them uniquely them and practicing descriptive, personal writing inspired by Serafina's fearless voice.

1
Think about a time when you did something with your whole heart — something you love, something you're proud of, or something that makes you feel most like yourself. It could be dancing, drawing, telling jokes, playing a sport, singing, building things, or anything at all.
2
Complete this sentence starter in as many ways as you can: 'I make waves when I ___.' Try to write at least three. Use big, bold, expressive words — just like the book does.
3
Choose your favorite 'I make waves when I ___' sentence and illustrate it. Fill the whole page with color and movement — show the energy and joy of that moment.
4
Share your sentence and illustration with the class. As a group, create a 'We Make Waves' display or book that celebrates every student's unique way of expressing themselves.

Standards Connections

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 — With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.4 — Describe how words and phrases supply rhythm and meaning in a story, poem, or song.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.3 — Write narratives in which they recount two or more appropriately sequenced events, include some details regarding what happened, and provide some sense of closure.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.4 — Describe people, places, things, and events with relevant details, expressing ideas and feelings clearly.
Social-Emotional Learning — Self-awareness and self-expression: recognizing personal strengths, expressing oneself authentically, and developing a positive self-concept.
Social-Emotional Learning — Social awareness: appreciating individual differences and creating inclusive communities where everyone feels free to be themselves.