La Llorona, the Crying Woman, is the legendary creature who haunts rivers, lakes, and lonely roads. Said to seek out children who disobey their parents, she has become a "boogeyman". La Llorona, deftly translated by Enrique Lamadrid, is familiar and newly informative, while Amy Córdova's rich illustrations illuminate the story.

The legend of La Llorona as retold by Rudolfo Anaya is storytelling anchored in a very human experience. His book helps parents explain to children the reality of death and the loss of loved ones.