Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears by Verna Aaredema; Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon - Winner of the Caldecott Medal for its illustrations.

Why Mosquitoes is a West African Tale about how an annoying mosquito causes a chain reaction that ultimately ends in a baby owl being killed. Because the baby owl was killed the Mother Owl would not raise the sun to start the day. Leave it to a mosquito to ruin an life. How many times has a mosquito ruined your day?

Instead of facing the animal counsel the mosquito runs away and hides. He decides he needs to spread his message to the only ones left that will listen to him, humans. Can you guess what happens?

The tale itself was amusing and my daughter thought the ending was funny. I can see why this book one the award for illustrations. The illustrations were done in watercolor with a technique that provided a color variation that made the characters come alive. The details of each of the animals make this book a must read.

Need Your Help

Hello All,

As I start my new Media Specialist career I will be returning to school to acquire the endorsement. While doing this I will be asked to read and review several Children's and Young Adult literature. Most of my reviews will be from the award lists, i.e. Newberry, Caldecott, Scott O'Dell, Coretta Scott King and the Iowa Children's Choice Awards. However, my reviews are not just limited to those lists.

If any of you know of some good books or someone who may be a good contact for me, please do not hesitate to let me know. From what I understand I have to read one book a week for this class. Stay tuned for reviews.

Random Thoughts

Good Evening All,

As summer winds down and a new school year fast approaches, of one thing I am sure. I am really going to miss my kids when they return to school. For the first time in their lives, I will not be there to witness their firsts. First day of Third and First grade, first time arriving at school on the bus. It seems weird to me that I will miss those. After all, isn't that why Ed and I have sacrificed over the last 8 years, so that one of us would always witness the "firsts".

I know that the decisions that we have made in the last few months will lead to even more "firsts" for our family. However, it still makes me want to witness them.

I want to thank my husband and daughters for allowing me to be there for so many firsts already. I want you all to know that I know you will all be there for me as I start to experience some of my own firsts.

As an added note: one of my classes this fall is all about how to determine what makes a "great book". I will be reading and reviewing several books over the course of the semester. Make sure to check back from time to time. Who knows, you may find one that you and your children may enjoy reading together. Or just you for that matter. I know I still love to read children's books from time to time (with no kids present). :) Enjoy the rest of your summer.