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)

Joshua loves playing his kalimba, a traditional African musical instrument. But when his family suggests he bring it to the school talent show, he thinks it's a terrible idea--all his classmates like rap. Then his Uncle Zambezi gives Joshua a magical mask to boost his confidence. Through the power of the mask, Joshua is able to realize it's always better to be true to oneself.