The Story
As anyone in the Mexican, and Mexican-American community can tell you, the Cucuy is a scary mythical creature used as a threat to scare children into behaving. Much like the Boogeyman. This story takes place over 32 pages of black and white charcoal illustrations where we find a very a young version of Jesse James Leija acting very badly. He scoffs as his father tells him to behave lest the Cucuy come and take him away.
When Jesse is sent to his room he goes about kicking his toys around and feeling sorry for himself...until the closet door opens and he is transported to the land where the Day of the Dead is an ongoing celebration! This is a delightful children's book with a fun story and just perhaps a lesson for naughty children.
