Why Mosquitoes Buzz In People's Ears

Written by Verna Aardema
Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon

Grade:

K-3

ISBN-13:

978-0140549058

Publisher:

Puffin (2004)

This humorous origin story from West Africa sheds light on how a seemingly harmful exaggeration or lie can set off a disastrous chain of events. In response to the mosquito’s embellishments about yams, the iguana puts sticks in his ears to avoid hearing the nonsense. Although neither of them realize it, these actions result in confusion, chaos, and tragedy. As the sequence of events builds, it leads to great sorrow for Mother Owl, and in her grief, she fails to wake the sun so that day can come. Finally determining that all the harm has been caused by the dishonest mosquito, all the animals call for the mosquito’s punishment. Never found, but feeling guilty, the mosquito continues to buzz and whine in people’s ears hoping to learn if all are still angry with her.