"I want a birthday party," answered Little Skunk.

"You have a birthday party every year," replied Mother Skunk.

"I know. But this year, I want to invite the neighborhood children," answered Little Skunk.

"Are you sure that is what you want for your birthday?" Mother Skunk asked.

"Yes, I'm sure," answered Little Skunk. "A new basketball would be nice, too."

Mother Skunk has her doubts. She does not believe the neighborhood children will come to Little Skunk's birthday party. Skunks have a stinky reputation. The neighborhood mothers never came to visit and Little Skunk was never invited to birthday parties.