Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha was a beautiful cockroach.
She lived in a cozy street lamp in Old Havana with her big, lovable family.
Now that Martina was 21 days old, she was ready to give her leg in marriage. The Cucaracha household was crawling with excitement! Every señora in the family had something to offer.
Tia Cuca gave her una peineta, a seashell comb. Mamá gave her una mantilla, a lace shawl.
But Abuela, her Cuban grandmother, gave her un consejo increíble, some shocking advice.
“You want me to do WHAT?” Martina was aghast. “You are a beautiful cockroach,” said Abuela. “Finding husbands to choose from will be easy-picking the right one could be tricky.”
“B-b-but,” stammered Martina, “how will spilling COFFEE on a suitor’s shoes help me find a good husband?”
Her grandmother smiled. “It will make him angry! Then you’ll know how he will speak to you when he loses his temper. Trust me, Martina. The Coffee Test never fails.”
Martina wasn’t so sure.
Meanwhile, Papá sent el perico, the parrot, to spread the word.
Soon all Havana-from the busy sidewalks of El Prado to El Morro castle-was abuzz with the news.
Martina the beautiful cockroach was ready to choose a husband.
Comprehension Questions
1. How old was Martina?
A. 12 days old
B. 21 days old
C. 18 days old
A. To see if he will help clean it up
B. To know how he will speak to her when he loses his temper
C. To see if he will spend money on a fresh pair of shoes
Your Thoughts
Vocabulary
4. List any vocabulary words below.