Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears

The mosquito is causing problems in the jungle – no surprise, right?

But this mosquito is not causing problems for people. Not quite yet.

This mosquito is causing problems between the animals.

In Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema, readers learn the mosquito buzzed in the ear of an iguana, telling a tall story about some yams.

The iguana is frustrated, and puts sticks in his ears so he can’t hear mosquito’s buzzing.

But when the python greets the iguana, the iguana can’t hear him. So the python gets upset, and in turn upsets the rabbit. On and on it goes until suddenly, the sun won’t rise in the morning.

All the animals gather to figure out who is at fault for not making the sun rise, and punish the offender. You can imagine the chain of blame as it makes its way back to the mosquito.

And once it gets there, readers will discover the surprising reason mosquitoes buzz in people’s ears.

Recommended for ages 3 and up.