Juan Zanate used to sit under his favorite tree-with his only friends, the harvest birds-dreaming and planning his life. Juan had big dreams of becoming a farmer like his father and grandfather. But when his father died and the land was divided, there was only enough for his two older brothers. In this charming story from the heart of the Indian tradition in Mexico, Juan learns to determine his own destiny-with help from his loyal friends, the harvest birds.

The zanate birds advise Juan to keep the weeds around his land and to plant beans, squash, and corn together. Children, parents, and teachers will enjoy learning about the traditions of rural Mexico while passing on the importance of respecting nature and the possibility of making dreams happen.