“Children and adults alike will enjoy Nasario’s brilliant telling of the events that were part of his growing up. As I read the stories I heard Nasario’s voice and I could see clearly the people and places he describes. I was reminded that the stories our grandparents told not only entertained us, they taught us valuable lessons.

“The magic of storytelling is still with us. At home or in the classroom, stories such as these will spark the imagination and encourage reading.”—Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima

The popular cuentos that parents and grandparents in rural New Mexico once upon a time told their children are a rich source of the folklore of the region and offer satisfying entertainment. In this collection of bilingual stories about the Río Puerco Valley, where Nasario García grew up, he shares the traditions, myths, and stories of his homeland. He recounts stories of the evil eye and rooster racing, the Wailing Woman and the punishing of the santos. Preceding each tale is García’s brief explanation of the history and culture behind the story.