Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

Deedy, C. A. (2007). Martina the beautiful cockroach. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.

A Cuban Folktale about a beautiful cockroach who lived in Havana with her family. Maritina the cockroach was twenty one years old, and was finally ready to get married. All the ladies in her family had advice for her, including her grandmother. Her grandmother advised her to spill coffee on the various suitors that came her way. Martina was hesitant, but agreed to follow Grandmother's adive. When her first suitor came, she did what Grandmothers said, and spilled coffee on his shoes. Don Gallo was so mad that he called her a clumbsy cockraoach, and told her that when they are married he was going to teach her some manners. Martina refused his offer for marriage, and was so happy that  Grandmother's advice had worked. She continued to spill coffee on all her suitors, and each time they reacted in a most unkind manner. Martina had given up, but went out to meet one more suitor, Perez the mouse. Martina thought he was adorable, but before she was able to spill coffee on him, Perez spilled coffer on her shoes. Martina was so happy when this happened, and asked him how he knew. Perez's answer was that he too had a Cuban grandmother. After that, they happily sipped coffee together under the street light. This book has big colorful pictures that any kid would enjoy fliping through. This book does a great job pointing out the different traits of each character. Students could pick one character, and create a character trait map for each. Although this book is entertaining for everyone, studnents ages 10 and under would benefit from this activitiy. Folktales often are told to convey a message, and this book does a great job and sending out its message in a simple yet  beautiful way that kids can understand. This story could also be used in a social studies class. Students could compare and contrast the beliefs or customs in the book, and compare them to those of today.