Sergio Makes a Splash!
Sergio, a lovable penguin from Argentina, likes to make a splash—in puddles, bathtubs, and buckets. However, when it comes to the very deep kind of water, he is not so sure. When faced with a class trip to the ocean, Sergio arms himself with floaties, a snorkel, and a life preserver, and faces his fear by taking a plunge into the ocean. Sergio’s story presents an opportunity to talk about fears, and Sergio himself may just inspire readers to face a fear of their own.
Pennsylvania Center for the Book Awards
Book Activities & Discussion Ideas
There are many ways that children can explore and have fun using water, just like Sergio. For example, children can use small containers of various shapes and sizes to fill and pour water into a larger container or tub. They may wish to wash baby dolls or other items, or experiment to see whether certain items sink or float. Children and adults together can look at the diagram that shows Sergio’s height and weight. It might be fun to use this diagram to create a cutout of Sergio (waterproof, of course!) and then fill some containers of different sizes with water. Children can share their ideas about which containers would cause Sergio to feel safe, and which might cause him to feel afraid.
Before sharing the book with families, provide maps for locating Argentina and the South Pole. The maps will help families talk to children about the story’s setting. Sergio’s decision to face his fear will provide families with a chance to talk about his feelings, as well as their own fears. Adults can ask children about their favorite things to do, as well as things they fear. Can they think of a time when they needed to be brave? Sergio felt better when he had his snorkel and floaties. Families can talk about things that help them feel safer when they are afraid.