Joshua loves to play the kalimba, an instrument tied to his African heritage. His family enthusiasticly encourages him to perform with it in the school talent contest, but the thought has him mortified - the kids in school will laugh! It would be different if could rap and dance like popular Kareem Cooper. Even when Uncle Zambezi gives Joshua a Masai mask to wear in the show, Joshua can't help wishing he were Kareem. But when the power of the mask allows Joshua to experience other people's lives firsthand, he develops a new appreciation for his own, especially when he and his kalimba save the show! Brightly colored full-page illustrations provide a vivid backdrop for the text. (Ages 5-8)

A magical Masai mask takes an African American boy on a series of adventures, and he discovers the joy of being himself.

Joshua loves playing his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument. But when his family suggests he join the school talent show, he thinks it's a terrible idea - all his classmates like rap. Wishing to be popular, Joshua turns to his Uncle Zambezi, who gives him a magical Masai mask. Little does he know, the mask will grant Joshua his wish, and more..

Anna Rich's illustrations give the humorous characters spunk and charm, while Dakari Hru creates a fun, positive tale in which a young boy learns what it's like to be in someone else's shoes.