MARTINA THE BEAUTIFUL COCKROACH

ILLUSTRATIONS

What would a picture book be without amazingly beautiful illustrations?  Vardell cites children’s literature expert Zena Stherland who believes that “the illustrations in a picture book should have storytelling qualities (that) …reflect(s) warmth and vitality” whether it be “through rich and harmonious color or appropriate monochrome.”  Michael Austin’s bight palette, clean lines and rounded curves do this and bring this old Cuban tale to life. 

CULTURAL MARKERS

Vardell believes that it is “important to consider how words and pictures are used to depict culture in children’s picture books” and urges her readers to “seek out (only) the very best to share with young readers.”  She also notes that cultural authenticity can be verified through a book’s illustrations.  Deedy’s book is sprinkled with sprinkled with Spanish words and Smith’s illustrations depict a beautiful, if shabby, Cuban setting.  What is perhaps the clearest culture marker in this book is the respect and love paid to the Cuban grandmother.

Deedy, C., & Austin, M. (2007). Martina, the Beautiful Cockroach: A Cuban folktale. Atlanta, GA: Peachtree.