Carmen Agra Deedy
Illustrator: Michael Austin
Publisher: Peachtree Publishers, Atlanta, Ga, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-7614-5172-3, 0-7614-5172-2
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Genre: Nonfiction - Dewey 398.2
Plot Summary: A humorous retelling of a Cuban folktale in which a cockroach interviews her suitors in order to decide whom to marry.
Themes/Tags: cockroaches, folktales, Cuban culture, love
Awards and Reviews: Library Media Connection starred 01/01/08,Publishers Weekly 08/27/07, Booklist 10/01/07, Criticas starred 08/15/07, Wilson's Children 01/01/09, Notable/Best Books (A.L.A.) 01/01/08, School Library Journal 10/01/07, Book Links (A.L.A.) 01/01/09
Library Media Connection (January 2008) With vivid illustrations on every page, this retelling of a Caribbean folktale with a Cuban twist will appeal to the intended audience. The story of Martina, her quest for a suitor, and her decision to choose a mouse named Perez, is usually attributed to Puerto Rican folklore. The traditional tale has Martina, the cockroach, looking for an animal who can woo her with song. In this retelling though, Martina is a green cockroach whose Cuban grandmother advises her to spill coffee on the pretenders' shoes, knowing that their reactions will reveal their true personalities. The tale was originally written in English and translated to Spanish. Although there are some subtle differences, both are well-written, with humor, some repetitive phrases, and a sparkle that will make this book as much a delight to read aloud as it is for the children listening. The large, full page illustrations show the animals in realistic detail, although they have human gestures and facial expressions. Martina is truly beautiful and desirable, unlike our conception of cockroaches. Either title would be a natural addition to any library's collection of folk literature, picture books, and Hispanic tales. Highly Recommended. Sharon Gonzalez, Library Media Specialist, Harris Middle School, San Antonio, Texas
Extensions: Read Martina to the students and discuss the origin of folktales. Introduce students to Dewey section 398.2 and have them all check out a book. On the next media center visit, have students share their folktale with the rest of the group and discuss the lessons that are taught. Assess on comprehension and participation.
GPS ELA2R4: The student uses a variety of strategies to gain meaning from grade-level text. The student a. Reads a variety of texts for information and pleasure. m. Recognizes the basic elements of a variety of genres (e.g., poetry, fables, folktales).
Terri's Review: ►►►►► 5 Bean and Cheese Nachos (out of 5) I had seen this book in passing and was interested in it due to the subject matter - my personal shriek-inducing nemesis - the cockroach. Wow, what a joy when a book like this is discovered! Instant classic: charming, funny and teaches a lesson. Gorgeous & bright illustrations accompany the retelling of this traditional folk tale, which is also mentioned in The Storyteller's Candle. Martina, the cockroach is 21 days old and ready to give her leg in marriage (how is this not already funny?!). Per the advice of her grandmother, to find a suitable mate, she must "accidently" spill cafe cubano - or coffee - on his shoes to see how he will react. This will be a lesson to see how a potential suitor responds when he loses his temper. After going through several disagreeable interviewees, Martina is surprised to discover what happens when she meets Perez, the mouse...he puts her to the test. The English version of this book is interspersed with Spanish terms, whose meaning can be derived from the surrounding text. And to potential brides everywhere: Starbucks.
