Verna Aardema (1911–2000) was an American author best known for her adaptations of folktales from around the world, especially tales from Africa. Aardema's style involved retelling traditional stories in a way that was both accessible and engaging to children. She took great care to maintain the cultural essence of each tale while making them appealing to a modern audience. Her most famous work, "Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears," won the Caldecott Medal in 1976 for its illustrative imagery, provided by Leo and Diane Dillon. Through her writing, Aardema sought to bring the rich tradition of global storytelling to young readers and introduced many to the wonders of diverse cultures and the universal themes found in folklore.