Deedy, C. (2007). Martina the Beautiful Cockroach. Peachtree Publishing Company.
Summary
Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha is the most beautiful cockroach in all of Cuba. At 21 days old, she is ready to give herself to a suitor, but her abuela insists that she test each man who offers a hand in marriage. Listening to her wise grandmother, Martina tests each suitor that comes asking to marry her, and each is sent away with a denial. At last, Martina sees one final suitor who knows that she is beautiful, even though he can't see her very well. Luckily for Martina, he too has a test, and they are a match made in Cuban heaven.
A Teacher's Perspective
This adorable Cuban folktale is chock full of wonderful two page illustrations, and personalities that fit the mannerisms of each animal to which it is assigned. There are smelly pigs, sneaky lizards, and cocky chickens to greet readers with stereotypes, as well as punny ways to decline a proposal. Micheal Austin's illustrations bring this folktale to life, with endpapers that hint at the ending of the story, and nods to Cuban culture.
Great for a folktale unit at any grade level.
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