Why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears

Years ago I read a book about why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears. It was a great story, with great pictures and it stuck with me throughout my life.

I am not kidding you, whenever I hear a mosquito buzzing, I think of this book.

When the kids were born, I wanted to get it for them, but I couldn't remember the name or even what it looked like and I, truthfully, didn't look that hard. I could have googled it, I guess, but I didn't.

Sunday, I was in a bookstore standing next to a shelf of books when one fell down and hit the ground at my feet. We weren't touching the bookshelf, nor had we be disturbing the books, it just jumped off the shelf of its own volition.

Wouldn't you know, it was the very book I think of each summer. I recognized it immediately and smiled when I realized how the name of the book was exactly they way I had been describing it to people.

"um... it is a book about why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears..."

You guessed it, the title is: Why mosquitoes buzz in people's ears

I searched the shelf and found there were no more on the shelf.

Turns out it is a Caldecott Award winner, and a south African folk tale.

Obviously I bought the book — it chose me after all.

I love the book, one of my kids loved the book, (the other doesn't like things I like on principle). I recommend it for adults and children alike, especially as we move into bug season.