It’s the Spring of Creation, and all of the animals are busy doing what they do best. There’s no confusion. But suddenly, a strange, furless, shell-less creature appears in their midst and the animals are mystified by the strange being. The bear knows that this creature would not be as strong, the deer knows it would not be as fast, and even the grasshopper knows it was not going to hop and screech like him.  What follows is a raucous debate about what to do with the helpless being. Eat the creature? Defend the creature? Leave it to fend for itself in the forest? The fate of humanity rests in the paws and wings of the animal community.  Acclaimed author Victor Villaseñor returns, once again, to capture a traditional children’s tale for a new generation. In fresh, colloquial prose Villaseñor’s second children’s book echoes the oral tradition, as he recalls a story that his mother told him as a child. Brought to life by bold illustrations, this playful fable celebrates the relationship between humans and the animals in the natural world.

School Library Journal : Grade 2-4–Written in the spirit of a creation myth, this story recounts an early time when Mother Nature decides to send the first human infant to join her other creatures on Earth. At first the animals are repulsed and intrigued by the small, skinless, helpless creature–the frog tickles its soft belly, which elicits a loud fart. Through their laughter, the bear, the snake, the turtle, the frog, the armadillo, and the skunk can't help but wonder what purpose this seemingly defenseless creature can possibly serve. Has Mother Nature made a terrible mistake? As the animals discuss and debate the relative merits of eating the new creature versus protecting it, the baby continues to delight with his farts and giggles. Finally, catching sight of a beautiful pair of butterflies, the animals decide that Mother Nature does not make mistakes and that this creature, too, will eventually turn into something useful and beautiful. The text in both languages is a bit too dense for early readers but will lend itself well to group readings and discussion. The dark, swirling illustrations, done in a symbolic, indigenous style, are fascinating if a bit sophisticated.

Booklist : PreS-Gr. 3. In the spring of creation, the animals are suddenly confused by the appearance of a new creature. The tiny thing looks useless, though it is certainly cute when it smiles and funny when it farts. After debating whether to eat it, let it die, or help it survive, the animals decide to help it, hoping that it will someday become something useful and beautiful. After all, says the turtle, "Mother Nature does not make mistakes." Villasenor, who recalls being told this creation myth by his father, dedicates this version to the people of Oaxaca, Mexico. Ramirez adds life to the tale with vibrant, stylized illustrations and swirling backgrounds of brilliant colors, which echo pre-Columbian motifs and Mexican folk-art forms. The text is primarily dialogue, and the English and Spanish, which are similarly paced, offer great opportunities for reading alone or dramatizing as a play.