Martina the Beautiful Cockroach

A graphic novel by Carmen Agra Deedy and illustrator Michael Austin present a captivating story of Martina a Cuban cockroach that lives with her big family. She is twenty-one days old, and it is now time for her to marry. Her father spreads the word for suitors to come and seek her hand in marriage. Her grandmother gives her advice on how to pick the right husband by telling her to pour coffee on each suitor’s shoes. Martina is skeptical but takes her grandma’s advice. Spilling the coffee reveals the true nature of each suitor until the last suitor is revealed as a true gentleman. The suitors are comical in their angry displays of displeasure and the illustrator does an incredible job of showing the emotional breakdowns of each unworthy suitor. The drawings are vibrant, and they give the impression that the illustrator has a professional background in animation. A book that will add diversity and quality to any parent or teacher’s collection.

Deedy, C. (2008). Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale. (M. Austin, Illust.)