Martina Has Too Many Tías

* "A seemingly simple story that speaks to the importance of water conservation. . . [Engle] works in the delight this neighborhood experiences with an understated but resonant message that is never preachy or pitying. Sua’s illustrations made on painted paper depict the liveliness with brilliant greens and majestic blues. . . Sprinkles of Spanish add to the sense of place. . . Engle packs so much into just a few powerful sentences. An excellent choice."

"A vibrant world of forests and oceans awaits a young girl escaping her home in this reimagining of the Cuban folktale Martina and the Beautiful Cockroach . . .  Representation for children who get overstimulated by noise is lovingly paired with the variety of brown skin tones in Martina’s family as well as the inclusion of cherished family members living joyfully in large bodies."

"Otheguy riffs on the Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina” in this emotionally aware story about family and self. . . . Circular forms suffuse Palacios’s festive digital renderings of Martina’s magical journey toward family connection."

"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." 

* "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. . . An affirming story that feels like a warm hug from a beloved relative."