Martina the
Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale
Retold by Carmen
Agra Deedy
Illustrated by
Michael Austin
Published by
Peachtree Publishers
Copyright 2007
32 pages
Traditional
Martina the Beautiful Cockroach is about a cockroach
named Martina who is trying to find a husband. Her grandmother gives her advice
to help her find one. She tells Martina to pour coffee on her suitors’ shoes to
see how they react. How will Martina’s suitors react? Who will be her husband?
Michael Austin used acrylic paint to
illustrate the book. The bright colors add to the excitement of Martina trying
to find a husband. The shades of blue on the last page add to the sense of
calmness at the end of the story. The crisp lines in the illustrations give the
folktale a more modern feel.
This book could be used in a third grade
classroom. This book could be used for a social studies lesson. Students could
research facts about Cuba. This book could be used for a science lesson where
students are learning about animals and insects. This book could be used for a
writing lesson. Students could rewrite folktales they have previously heard. This
book won an International Latino Book Award in 2008.
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