Verna Aardema (1911-2000) was a highly acclaimed storyteller and the author of many books of African folktales. Her book, Who’ s in Rabbit’ s House? , illustrated by Leo and Diane Dillon, was an ALA Notable Children’ s Book and a School Library Journal Best Book of the Year, 1977. Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’ s Ears, also illustrated by the Dillons, was awarded the Caldecott Medal in 1976 and was chosen as an ALA Notable Children’ s Book, as was a third Aardema-Dillon collaboration, Behind the Back of the Mountain.