Martina Has Too Many Tías

4.5

5.0 (1)

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Author(s)

Emma Otheguy

Co-Authors / Illustrators

Sara Palacios

Publisher

Atheneum Books for Young Readers

Genre(s)

Age Range

Release Date

June 20, 2023

ISBN

978-1534445369

Buy This Book

A quiet girl overwhelmed by her rambunctious family finds a magical land of solitude only to discover what truly makes a home a home in this lively and magical bilingual picture book that reimagines the beloved Caribbean folktale “La Cucaracha Martina.”

Martina does not like parties. Parties are full of tías with their flashy fashions and boom-and-bellow laughter that’s too much for quiet Martina. At least with all that noise, no one notices when she slips away. She finds herself in a magical place: a warm, familiar island where she can finally play in peace and quiet. Martina is home at last—or is she?

Editor review

1 review

Your place in a Big Family

October 26, 2023 (Updated: June 15, 2026)

Overall rating

4.5

Plot

5.0

Characters

3.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Martina likes to quietly play and use her imagination. She finds it difficult when her family gets together because it feels too loud and chaotic. Then she finds herself in a magical place that she enjoys until she has no one to share her story with. It makes her happy to return to her family and share her adventure. This book has rich colors that feel warm and welcoming. Martina is a character many introverts or people with sensory difficulties can identify with. This book does a good job of showcasing different personalities and how they all fit together in the family and are loved. This book has a positive depiction of Latin culture and family bonds.

Connie Reid, Site Manager and Staff Reviewer Top 10 Reviewer 1017 reviews

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User reviews

1 review

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0(1)

Characters

5.0(1)

Writing Style

5.0(1)

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0(1)

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Every family member matters

April 13, 2026 (Updated: June 15, 2026)

Overall rating

5.0

Plot

5.0

Characters

5.0

Writing Style

5.0

Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)

5.0

Thank you to Emma Otheguy, Sara Palacios and Simon and Schuster for a copy of Martina Has Too Many Tias. I love reviewing childrens' books and sharing them with a teacher friend afterwards.
Martina Has Too Many Tias is based on La Cucaracha Martina, a Caribbean folktale.
I thought this story was very cute from the start of Martina's complaints about her tias to her escape and return.
The tias made me laugh as I have a couple of aunts just like a couple of them and could understand Martina's views. My favorite part of this adorably illustrated story was Martina's escape. I thought it was very creative way to show how important all family members are - even the ones who annoy us.
Really well written, creative and an adorable way to teach such an important lesson.