Martina the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban Folktale
By Carmen Agra Deedy
The Story
A beautiful young cockroach must choose a husband, so her grandmother teaches her the Coffee Test — spilling coffee on a suitor's shoes to see how he reacts to anger.
Why It's Special
For the kid who loves a good test of character, Martina's search for a husband turns family wisdom into a clever, funny screening process.
- Big idea: Real character shows up in small moments, and the people who love you best often give the strangest-sounding advice for the best reasons.
- Vibes: Warm, witty, and full of Cuban flavor, with sly humor tucked into family tradition.
Perfect For Kids Who
- enjoy folktales with a clever twist
- are curious about different cultures and family traditions
- like to guess how a story will turn out
- respond well to strong grandmother figures and family wisdom
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & problem-solving: What is the Coffee Test that Abuela teaches Martina, and why do you think she came up with it?
- Character judgment: Why do you think spilling coffee on a suitor's shoes tells Martina something important about him?
- Family connection: Who in your family gives you advice, and what's the best advice they've ever given you?
- Imagination: If you were choosing a friend, what silly test might you invent to see if they were kind?
- Real-life connection: Has anyone ever gotten angry over something small, like a spill? How did they react?
