Biographical Sketch

Verna Aardema Vugteveen was born June 6, 1911 in New Era, Michigan. She earned a BA in Journalism (1934) from Michigan State College of Agriculture and Applied Science (now Michigan State University) and worked as a grade school teacher in Michigan and later as a staff correspondent for the Muskegon Chronicle . In 1960 she published her first book Tales from the Story Hat , a retelling of some African folktales. Aardema became well known for her adaptions of traditional folktales, primarily from Africa and Mexico. Her books are cited by critics for their authenticity and detail and Aardema's ability to combine humor, magic, and adventure with moral themes. Critics also praise her use of simple, rhythmic language and repetitive sounds; two qualities that make her books read-aloud favorites with children.

Many of Aardema's books have been award winners, including the 1978 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award for Who's in Rabbit's House (1977); Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears (1975) was a New York Times Notable Book and won the Caldecott Medal in 1976; Oh Kojo! How Could You! (1984) won the Parents' Choice Award for Literature.

Verna Aardema died on May 11, 2000.

Biographical Source: Something About the Author, vol. 68, pp. 1-4.