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    Finding My Wave

    Author Alexandra Katona
    Illustrated by Sara Palacios
    Ebook
    Penguin Young Readers | Rocky Pond Books
    On sale May 26, 2026 | 40 Pages | 9780593857021
    Grades K-3
    Reading Level: Lexile 610L
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    Mia finds her bravery and catches her first real wave while surfing with her abuela in this joyful, lyrical picture book that's perfect for summer and for grandparent/grandchild sharing.

    One early morning, Mia and her abuela head to the ocean to surf. But Mia's tummy is churning wildly. Will she finally be able to make it past the whitewash? The way the waves are crashing makes her feel very small, and she admits to her grandmother that she's afraid. "It's OK to be scared,  mi amor," her abuelita says. "Become friends with your fears and they turn into courage."

    And so, with Lita's guidance and a newfound bravery, Mia is finally able to pop to her feet on the board. "¡Wepa!" her abuela cheers as Mia glides through the water, her heart leaping out of her chest. It's unlike anything in the world, and now she's ready to find the next wave and the next.
    Alexandra Katona View titles by Alexandra Katona
    SARA PALACIOS is the recipient of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award for her work on Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match and has illustrated many picture books for children. Sara earned her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where she lives with her husband. View titles by Sara Palacios
    "Palacios’ simple, brightly colored graphic art pairs well with Katona’s text. An empowering tale of a youngster riding out waves of anxiety, with triumphant results." —Kirkus

    "Employing acrylic, gouache, and digital techniques for a mottled texture, vignettes and full-page scenes visualize the character’s transformation. This work successfully conjures the way confidence crests through connection with one’s feelings. —Publishers Weekly

    "A triumphant tale likely to hearten anxious younger children facing any first-time challenge, physical or otherwise." —School Library Journal

    About

    Mia finds her bravery and catches her first real wave while surfing with her abuela in this joyful, lyrical picture book that's perfect for summer and for grandparent/grandchild sharing.

    One early morning, Mia and her abuela head to the ocean to surf. But Mia's tummy is churning wildly. Will she finally be able to make it past the whitewash? The way the waves are crashing makes her feel very small, and she admits to her grandmother that she's afraid. "It's OK to be scared,  mi amor," her abuelita says. "Become friends with your fears and they turn into courage."

    And so, with Lita's guidance and a newfound bravery, Mia is finally able to pop to her feet on the board. "¡Wepa!" her abuela cheers as Mia glides through the water, her heart leaping out of her chest. It's unlike anything in the world, and now she's ready to find the next wave and the next.

    Author

    Alexandra Katona View titles by Alexandra Katona
    SARA PALACIOS is the recipient of the Pura Belpré Illustrator Honor Award for her work on Marisol McDonald Doesn’t Match and has illustrated many picture books for children. Sara earned her B.F.A. and M.F.A. degrees in illustration from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where she lives with her husband. View titles by Sara Palacios

    Praise

    "Palacios’ simple, brightly colored graphic art pairs well with Katona’s text. An empowering tale of a youngster riding out waves of anxiety, with triumphant results." —Kirkus

    "Employing acrylic, gouache, and digital techniques for a mottled texture, vignettes and full-page scenes visualize the character’s transformation. This work successfully conjures the way confidence crests through connection with one’s feelings. —Publishers Weekly

    "A triumphant tale likely to hearten anxious younger children facing any first-time challenge, physical or otherwise." —School Library Journal

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