ALA Booklist (Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 CST 1993)

When you go to the talent show, play your new kalimba, wear the dashiki, and bring the Masai mask. But be careful with it. The mask will listen to everything you say, and you must be careful to speak wisely. Words of wisdom and warning from Uncle Zambezi, though Joshua pays little mind because he has a big dilemma and, anyway, everyone at school thinks his uncle is crazy. Joshua's family urges him to play his kalimba (an African musical instrument made of metal or reed keys fastened over a bridge to a hardwood soundboard) in the all-school talent show. But he is convinced that his skills don't compare to those of Kareem Cooper or Shamika Shabazz. Standing at the mirror with the mask, he wishes he were Kareem and suddenly finds himself in the Coopers' home, where the family is dealing with hard times and an attitude to match. Next, Joshua becomes Righteous Rapper, a larger-than-life rap artist, and has to flee adoring fans. He finally makes it to the show, where the two popular kids bomb, and Joshua turns mayhem into magic with the kalimba. Though the story could have used some tightening, Rich's acrylic illustrations abound with the vibrant colors of life; the paintings establish the universality of the message: Be who you are! (Reviewed Apr. 1, 1993)

Kirkus Reviews (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

Armed with only his kalimba, Joshua doesn't think he's going to make much of an impression in the talent show—especially after he sees the way classmates Kareem and Shamika boogie. But a generous gift from Uncle Zambezi—an African mask that grants wishes—changes his mind; after turning himself first into Kareem, then into a famous rap star, and finally into the mayor (someone the kids would all respect''), Joshua reverts to being himself just in time to rescue the show from disaster and brings the audience to its feet. Rich's full-page acrylics place Joshua in a cleaned-up inner-city neighborhood; warm colors and occasional comic touches (a dog watches bug-eyed as Joshua switches instantly fromRighteous Rapper'' to gray-suited official) reflect the happy tone. A sturdy picture-book debut for both author and illustrator. Brief explanatory afterword. (Picture book. 6-8)"

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

PW said Hru's """"spirited, conversational style... evinces genuine warmth"""" in this tale of a mask that endows its wearer with magical powers, while Rich's """"bold artwork [bursts] with bright hues and humor."""" Ages 3-10. (Feb.)

School Library Journal (Mon Feb 06 00:00:00 CST 2023)

K-Gr 3-An inspiring story of a young African-American boy. Joshua loves when his uncle teaches him to play the kalimba, but when his family encourages him to perform in the school talent show, he knows he'll be embarrassed because his classmates prefer rap. Sure enough, when the children see Joshua's instrument at rehearsal, they laugh and call his uncle names. When he tells his uncle what happened, the man gives him three very important gifts-a bright colored dashiki, a beautiful new hand-carved kalimba, and a big ostrich-feather mask from the Masai tribe of Kenya. He tells the boy that "`The mask will listen to everything you say, and you must be careful to speak wisely.'" When Joshuq puts it on, he learns that he can become someone different by simply wishing, and in the end- wishing only to be himself-he is a hit in the show. Hru and Rich weave an accomplished story of sensitivity and self-actualization. Illustrations are rich in color and capture the essence of love, encouragement, anxiety, and self-assurance. Multiethnic representation and the universality of the theme create a picture book to be enjoyed by a wide audience.-Barbara Osborne Williams, Queens Borough Public Library, Jamaica, NY