Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
By: Verna Aardema
Illustrated by: Diane and Leo Dillon
Medal Winner
NOT REVIEWED
In this astonishingly beautiful and imaginatively illustrated picture book, Mosquito tells Iguana a tall tale that sets off a chain reaction that ends in jungle disaster. Iguana is so upset at being told such nonsense that he plugs his ears. So, of course, when Python says good morning, Iguana doesn't hear and ignores him altogether. Python suspects Iguana is plotting mischief against him, so he hides in a rabbit hole—which terrifies Rabbit. And so this amusing African legend goes, until finally the chain of mishaps reaches Mother Owl, who reacts by refusing to hoot and wake the sun.
Eventually all is resolved, and jungle life returns to normal. But although Mosquito learns her lesson and gives up telling tall tales, she adopts a worse habit.
Leo and Diane Dillon's striking full-color illustrations complement and enlarge upon the tale, perfectly capturing the expansive African imagination.
From the dust jacket of the 5th printing
The Desert is Theirs
By: Byrd Baylor
Illustrated by: Peter Parnall
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
In this book Byrd Baylor says something very straight and simple about the closeness of people and land—about the hawks, deer, and pack rats, the hard skinny plants, and the strong, brown Desert People who call the earth their mother.
They never say: "This is my land to do with as I please." they say: "We share, we only share." Desert People know the land belongs to spider and ant the same as it does to people.
A year that is hard for people is hard for scorpions too. And the rain, when it falls, is a blessing shared by all. Even the dry earth makes a sound of joy when the rain touches.
As always, Byrd Baylor has the power to take you where she is, and to make you a part of what she is a part of.
The marvelous shapes and scenes of Peter Parnall's exquisite illustrations fold earth and people and animals together into the oneness of which Byrd Baylor writes so eloquently.
From the dust jacket
Strega Nona
By: Tomie de Paola
Honor
NOT REVIEWED
Wise old Strega Nona-"Grandmother Witch"-is whispered about in her Calabrian town. But everybody in the town comes to her for potions and cures, magic and comfort. When she hires Big Anthony to look after her house and garden, the boy discovers her magic secrets—or so he thinks.
In this retelling of an old tale, author-artist Tomie de Paola combines humor and warmth in glorious pictures and an exciting and sympathetic text.
From the dust jacket
