Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale

Thanks to award-winning author and storyteller Carmen Agra Deedy, you’ll never look at a cockroach the same way again.

“Lively and funny…this telling has magic all its own.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Spirited.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Masterful.” ―Booklist

The beautiful Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha doesn’t know coffee beans about love and marriage, so when suitors come calling, what is she to do? Luckily, she has her Cuban family to help!

While some of the Cucarachas offer Martina gifts to make her more attractive, only Abuela, her grandmother, gives her some useful advice: spill coffee on his shoes to see how he handles anger. At first, Martina is skeptical of her Abuela’s suggestion, but when suitor after suitor fails the Coffee Test, she wonders if a little green cockroach can ever find true love.

After reading this award-winning retelling of the Cuban folktale, readers will never look at a cockroach the same way again. Also available in Spanish and in audio (read by the author), Carmen Agra Deedy delivers a delightfully inventive Cuban twist on the beloved Martina folktale, complete with a dash of café Cubano.

Teacher’s Guide available!

Pura Belpre Medal (Honor Book) – American Library Association

Odyssey Award (Honor) – American Library Association