Aardema, Verna (1975). Why Mosquitoes Buzz in in People's Ears: a west African Tale. New York, NY: The Dial Press. Illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon
1976 Caldecott Medal Book
This funny retelling of this traditional West African tale is complete with sound effects ("mek, mek, mek, krik, krik, krik, and more...) and beautiful ethnic artwork!
The story begins with Mosquito trying to gossip to Iguana. Iguana refuses to listen to mosquito and puts sticks in his ears, and thus begins a chain reaction that causes so much misunderstanding, fear, suspicion, and the lack of the sun's return!
When all is said and done, Mosquito is left buzzing in people's ears asking if everyone is still angry at him. And of course, we all are! Splat!
The Dillon art seems to be similar to woodcuts that have been airbrushed. The art has an ethnic West African style complete with beautiful color combinations and traditional African mask-like expressions on the characters. The art enhances the misconceptions in the story and at the same time, reveals the truth in what is happening! Without the Dillon art, this book would not be as powerful!
No comments:
Post a Comment