This book is a well-known adaptation of a traditional Puerto Rican folktale, bringing the classic story of the cockroach Martina and the mouse Perez to a new generation of readers.
Pura Belpré was the first Puerto Rican librarian in New York City and a pioneer in preserving and sharing Puerto Rican folklore. Her rendition of Perez y Martina is celebrated for its authentic cultural voice and its role in introducing these stories to a wider audience.