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MARTINA THE BEAUTIFUL COCKROACH
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Written by
Carmen Agra Deedy
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Illustrated by
Michael Austin
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Hardcover: $16.95
ISBN: 978-1-56145-399-3
Total Pages: 32
Size: 11-5/8 x 10
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Picture Books, ages 4-8/Fiction
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Carmen Agra Deedy was born in Havana, Cuba, and emigrated to Georgia with her family during the aftermath of the Cuban Revolution. A professional storyteller, she has performed at the Disney Institute, on Broadway at the New Victory Theater, at the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the Kennedy Center, as well as many other storytelling festivals nationwide. Deedy is a regular contributor to National Public Radio's "Weekend All Things Considered" and "Latino USA." Deedy lives in Georgia.You can visit Carmen Agra Deedy's website at: www.carmendeedy.com
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MICHAEL AUSTIN, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, is a creative director and the illustrator of several books. He lives in Georgia.You can visit Michael Austin's website at: www.austinillustration.com
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A CUBAN FOLKTALE
Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a deliciously inventive Cuban version of the beloved Martina folktale, complete with a dash of café cubano.
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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.
“You want me to do what?” Martina gasps.
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, you’ll never look at a cockroach the same way again.
This title is also available in Spanish! Click here for more information on Martina in Spanish!
Intrigued by the story of Martina? Want to learn more about its origins or about the real Cuban cockroach? Check out our new website - www.beautifulmartina.com - to get the inside scoop on this wonderful book!
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Reviews
"Austin's cockroach dwelling is a desirable piece of real estate, with its stairs made of gum wrappers, its wrought–plastic comb railing, and its exclusive mid-Havana address (it's a lamppost). A friendly sprinkling of Spanish words, warmly drawn relationships and a lot of puns all widen the audience for this spirited story."Publishers Weekly "Deedy’s masterful retelling of this Latino folktale has a rollicking voice imbued with sly tongue-in-cheek humor. The acrylic illustrations, in a hyper-realistic style reminiscent of a softer William Joyce, are rendered in a vivid tropical palette. Shifting perspectives and points of view add vitality to the compositions, and facial expressions reveal both emotions and character traits. A scattering of Spanish words adds zest to this fine read-aloud."Booklist "Deedy's text sparkles with sly humor...The stunning acrylic illustrations are full of color, light, and humor...This wonderful book will delight children."School Library Journal “Beauty and charm are not what we expect in a cockroach, but author Carmen Agra Deedy creates a sweet maiden in her re-telling of a Cuban folk tale about selecting a husband.”The Sacramento Bee “…Martina the little green cockroach sticks with the Cuban folk tale story line, but with a sweet little twist.”The Kansas City Star “Lilting language, subtle humor, and charming illustrations characterize this retelling…”Social Education “…lively and funny…Fun to compare with other versions, this telling has magic all its own.”Kirkus
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Awards
* 2008 Pura Belpre Medal (honor book)
* 2008 NCSS/CBC Notable Trade Books for Young People in the Field of Social Studies
* 2008 Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List
(primary - starred review)
* 2008 The Best Children’s Books of the Year (Bank Street College of Education)
* 2008 Irma Simonton and James H. Black Award for the Best Picture Book of the Year
(honor book)
* 2008 International Latino Book Awards (Best Children’s Picture Book, English)
* 2008 Américas Award for Children’s and Young Adult Literature
* 2009-2010 Volunteer State Book Awards (master list, K-3)
* Nominee, 2007 Cybils Awards (fiction picture book)
* Nominee, 2008 Amelia Bloomer Project (ALA)
* Nominee, 2008 E. B. White Award
* Nominee, 2008-2009 Maryland Black-Eyed Susan Book Award
* Nominee, 2008-2009 Children’s Book Award (Florida Reading Association)
* Nominee, 2009 North Carolina Children’s Book Award (junior book category)
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