Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears is a West African tale based on a chain of events that ends with a tragedy. Life in the jungle returns to normal, only after the rightful blame is placed on the mosquito.
This is another book that gives us insight into different cultures stories. It also shows what one small lie can sometimes cause.
Have students read and study some of the African animals in this story and share facts they learn. You can also read some American folktales and discuss the differences in cultures.

Great storytelling. ( )

This book won the 1976 Caldecott Medal Award. ( )

Fun story explaining why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears. Interesting to see how all the animals make assumptions about other animals and things spiral out of control.

This is a great example of an African myth because it fills an essential human need to explain the mystery of why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears. The plot of the story has rising action from the introduction as each animal alarms the next. The climax comes when the monkey accidentally kills a baby owl. The rest of the story deals with the conflict resolution and finally, tells why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears.

Media: Airbrushed watercolors, pastels rubbed on by hand, and india ink