DANCE, NANA, DANCE (BAILA, NANA, BAILA)

This is a collection of 13 bilingual folktales in English and Spanish from Cuban folklore, representing the cultures of Spain, Africa and the Caribbean. Called "Baila, Nana, Baila", it offers the readers a variety of humorous and colorful characters, such as a yam that terrifies the bravest man in the army, a boy who can never remember what his mother wants from the store, an old lady who can dance for days, and the man who had never done a day’s work in his life.

A good read-aloud, written by Joe Hayes and illustrated by Mauricio Trenard Sagayo.
Ages 9-12.

MARTINA’S READY FOR MARRIAGE, ARE YOU?

For those who enjoy folktales from across world then you’ll definitely enjoy this Cuban folktale, “Martina the Beautiful Cockroach”. Martina Josefina Catalina Cucaracha was a beautiful 21 day old cockroach and believe it or not, she was ready to give her leg in marriage. As the news spread throughout the city, Martina’s abuela taught her the coffee test so that she would be able to choose a good husband. Martina soon realized that taking advice from her grandmother was a wise decision.

Retold by Carmen Agra Deedy

For grades K and up!!!