Martina una cucarachita muy linda: Un cuento Cubano (Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale)

by Carmen Agra Deedy, Michael Austin (Illustrator), Cristina De La Torre (Translator)

Overview

Martina the beautiful cockroach doesn’t know coffee beans about love and marriage.
That’s where her Cuban family comes in. While some of the Cucarachas offer her gifts to make her more attractive, only Abuela, her grandmother, gives her something really useful: un consejo increíble, some shocking advice. At first, Martina is skeptical of her Abuela’s unorthodox suggestion, but when suitor after suitor fails the Coffee Test, she wonders if a little green cockroach can ever find true love. Soon, only the gardener Pérez, a tiny brown mouse, is left. But what will happen when Martina offers him café cubano?
After reading this sweet and witty retelling of the Cuban folktale, readers will never look at a cockroach the same way again. Also in Spanish and audio, Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a deliciously inventive Cuban version of the beloved Martina folktale, complete with a dash of café cubano.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781561454259
Publisher:	Peachtree Publishers, Ltd.
Publication date:	09/28/2007
Edition description:	Spanish-language Edition
Pages:	32
Sales rank:	434,476
Product dimensions:	11.90(w) x 10.10(h) x 0.60(d)
Language:	Spanish
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Carmen Agra Deedy, a New York Times bestselling author, has been writing and traveling around the world telling stories for more than twenty years. Her books have received numerous awards and honors. Carmen has performed in many prestigious venues, but children are her favorite audience. Born in Havana, Cuba, she came to the United States as a refugee and like most immigrants sees the world from multiple perspectives. She lives in Georgia.

Michael Austin is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, a creative director, and the illustrator of several books. He lives in Georgia.

Editorial Reviews

Deedy’s text sparkles with sly humor… The stunning acrylic illustrations are full of color, light, and humor… This wonderful book will delight children.

From the Publisher

Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha is now twenty-one days old and must choose a husband. The beautiful Cuban cockroach must grant her "leg" in marriage. She gets presents and advice from her relatives. The best advice comes from her Abuela, her grandmother. What is her advice? "Spill coffee on your suitor's shoes." This, she claims, is foolproof advice. Martina does as told with Rooster, Pig and other animals. Does her Abuela's advice work? Who becomes her husband? Deedy has written a charming retelling of this old favorite traditional Cuban folklore, which I might add is also part of other cultures' folklore. The illustrations are gorgeous. The different perspectives in the double spread pages are a treat to be enjoyed, full of little details that put you right into the action. Use it at story time or any time. The Spanish is flawless. A highly recommended purchase for both schools and public libraries and for anyone who wants to sit down with a good book. Reviewer: Maria E. Gentle

Children's Literature - Maria E. Gentle