NHPTV Knowledge Network - Children's Authors

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Verna Aardema (1911-2000)

Verna Aardema
Verna Aardema was born in New Era, Michigan on June 6, 1911. She was a classroom teacher for close to 40 years. She published her first collection of stories in 1960. She is known for her retelling of traditional African folktales. Her book, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, received the Caldecott Medal in 1976. She died on May 11, 2000. She is the author of Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears; Who's in Rabbit's House?; Oh Kojo! How Could You!; Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain; Anansi Does the Impossible; and This for That: A Tongi Tale

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USM de Grummond Collection
A biographical sketch of the author from the McCain Library and Archives University Libraries at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Africana Collection
Brief biography of the author from the George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida.

Random House
Brief author profile. .

School Library Media Activities Monthly
Article and activities focusing on the folktale aspect of the author's works.

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Caldecott Newberry Series
Animated and narrated verion of the book. With PDF Teacher's Guide. Source: NHPTV

Author Studies
Verna Aardema
This site has a series of questions about the author for students as well as book overviews, activities, and vocabulary. Source: Florida Coast College of Education

Verna Aardema
This author study focuses on African Tales retold by Verna Aardema. Source:The Reading Lady

Borreguita and the Coyote
CyberGuide
In this cyberguide, students use the Internet to explore trickster folk tales from several different cultures. Source: San Diego County Office of Education

Quiz - Grade 3
A series of comprehension questions for this story. Source: Quia

Discussion Guide Pre-K-3
Discussion ideas and an extention activity. Source: Scholastic

Tricking the Trickster: Borreguita and the Coyote
Podcast about the book. Source: Just One More Book

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain
Vocabulary
Fill-in-the-blank vocabulary game. Source: Quia

Discussion Guide - Grades K-2
Discussion guide and geography and creative writing lesson plan focusing on climate and weather. Source: Scholastic

African Plains - Grades 1-2
In this lesson plan, students identify the African Plains and the plants and animals that are found there and listen to the story and actively participate in a choral reading of Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain. Source: Utah State University TeacherLINK

Bringing the Rain to Kapiti Plain - Grade 1
A collection of cross-curriculum activities. Source: Keppel Union School District

Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Caldecott Newberry Series
Animated and narrated verion of the book. With PDF Teacher's Guide. Source: NHPTV

Discussion Guide

K-3 African Folklore Lesson Plan

K-4 African Folktales Lesson Plan

K-3 Inference Lesson Plan

Grade 2 Lesson Plan

Grade 3 Science Lesson Plan

Grade 3-4 Lesson Plan (PDF File)

Science Lesson Plan

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Verna Aardema (1911-2000)