A retelling of a traditional West African tale that reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying buzzing habit. A mosquito annoyed the iguana, who frightened the python, who scared the rabbit ... and now the whole jungle is in an uproar because the sun won't rise. The animals discuss the situation and decide to punish the mosquito. Even today, whenever we hear a mosquito buzz, we smack it hard!

A little lamb uses her clever wiles to keep a coyote from eating her up.

Rabbit has a problem - someone is inside her house and won't let her in.

Intended as a literary study guide with activities designed for group and individual projects. Includes a book summary, author information, vocabulary builders, comprehension and discussion questions and cross-curricular activities. Some pages are reproducible for classroom use.

An African folktale in which the son of the chief must make his way in the world with only a sackful of kola nuts and the help of some creatures that he has treated with kindness.

A tale from the Akamba people of Kenya that explains why the ostrich has such a long neck.

A retelling of a traditional West African tale that reveals how the mosquito developed its annoying habit.

Noted children's author and storyteller Verna Aardema recounts her life and describes how her daily activities and writing process are interwoven.

With the help of a blue crane, a mother dove rescues her babies from a not-so-clever jackal.

A collection of twelve folktales from different parts of Africa.