08/21/2023
Otheguy riffs on the Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina” in this emotionally aware story about family and self. Since Martina’s boisterous tías typically give her a headache, the child slips away upon their arrival for a party, attended by people of various skin tones, to tell herself “a little story/ about a whisper-quiet fairy.” Back home, the bespectacled child, portrayed with brown skin, unexpectedly slips into a pot smelling of guava, and its steam carries her to a “warm island home” where, in an echo of the original folktale, she encounters different animals, each too loud for her liking. A quiet, imaginative mouse seems like an ideal friend, but when it gets sleepy and departs, it leaves Martina “very,/ very/ much alone.” Attracted by the distant sound of salsa and laughter, Martina returns home with a greater appreciation for family bonds. Circular forms suffuse Palacios’s festive digital renderings of Martina’s magical journey toward family connection. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (June)
"In this expert picture-book riff on the classic Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina,” Otheguy celebrates big families with room for all types of dispositions . . . Colorful collages, digitally rendered, bring a sense of vibrancy. Palacios’s visual representation of the cacophony of sounds in the overlays—in particular the page with all three tías—is bright and loud; you can feel the noise pop off the page."
"As readers turn the pages, the vivid hues and simplistic yet textured art will draw them into the story, bringing Martina’s home to life in full color with seamlessly integrated bilingual text and vivid visuals showcasing the rich culture of the Caribbean within Martina's nostalgic imagination. Whether they're swept up in the narration or marveling at the details of each scene, little ones will be captivated by the vibrant energy and cultural nuances that infuse every page of this tale."
"As readers turn the pages, the vivid hues and simplistic yet textured art will draw them into the story, bringing Martina’s home to life in full color with seamlessly integrated bilingual text and vivid visuals showcasing the rich culture of the Caribbean within Martina's nostalgic imagination. Whether they're swept up in the narration or marveling at the details of each scene, little ones will be captivated by the vibrant energy and cultural nuances that infuse every page of this tale."
★ 09/02/2023
PreS-Gr 2—Quiet Martina loves her loud, Cuban family full of tías, but when she hears they're on their way for a family party, the girl groans. She'd rather go somewhere quiet, tell herself made-up stories, and think about the warm island home that she misses. Instead, she has to clean and prepare for Tía Susana, the grand salsa dancer; Tía Leonor, the flashy dresser; and Tía Alberta of the booming laugh. While cleaning, she finds a gold coin and then slips away to the bodega while the hubbub begins. She purchases a daffodil, wanders back into the kitchen, and topples into a pot of hot guava. The steam transports her to her beloved island where she's able to talk with the animals. Unfortunately, they're too loud, too. She finally finds a quiet ratoncito to play with who also likes to use his imagination. But eventually, night comes and the animals go to sleep, leaving Martina alone. The island no longer feels like home. Reminiscent of Where the Wild Things Are, the girl hears the sound of her raucous tías, smells the yummy scent of guava, and swims back home where she tells her aunts all about it. In this kid-friendly retelling of the Cuban folktale "La Cucaracha Martina," Otheguy explores how introverted kids can still feel at home in a family full of extroverts—even if they're the odd person out, readers can find acceptance and love with family. Full of warmth, the narrative is adeptly complemented by Palacio's friendly art. When Martina is in the realistic world with her family, the colors are bright and vibrant, oranges and pinks. The fantastical island she escapes to is done in cool blues and majestic greens. Martina's family has a range of brown skin, reflecting the diversity within the Cuban community. VERDICT A singular offering with many layers of storytelling, this is a must-have for all collections. —Shelley M. Diaz
★ 2023-03-29
A Latine child has a tía problem.
Martina loves her tías—salsa dancer Tía Susana, flashy fashionista Tía Leonor, and loud, laughing Tía Alberta—but her aunts give her a headache when they’re around! Dreading another boisterous visit from them, Martina slips away during a party to the corner bodega. She buys a flower with a found coin and heads back to her apartment. While sniffing a big pot of guava, she plunges headlong inside and is transported to a jungle, where she interviews potential animal playmates—all of whom are too loud for her head to bear. Finally, she befriends a quiet mouse, and they bond over a love of imaginary adventures and hushed voices. As darkness falls, the fun fades, loneliness creeps in, and—in a scene reminiscent of Max returning from the land of the Wild Things—Martina reemerges in her kitchen surrounded by tías who can’t wait to hear her story. In this sweet homage to the Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina,” a young girl comes to cherish familial love. Colorful, digitally rendered illustrations have a three-dimensional, collage feel, exuding warmth and light and capturing a child’s world of imagination. Readers who prefer quiet contemplation to rowdy celebrations will feel kinship with Martina. Though the child needs some alone time, she’s always clearly an integral part of her family—a much-needed message that comes through loudly (but not too loudly!). (This book was reviewed digitally.)
An affirming story that feels like a warm hug from a beloved relative. (author’s note) (Picture book. 4-8)
