Fatou Toure, a young girl from Mali, will be joining David s class next week. David and his classmates are determined to learn everything they can about Mali in order to welcome their new classmate. They learn that Mali is a land rich in history, with many different peoples and cultures. The varied country can claim deserts, forests, lions, hippos, gold, ancient and modern cities, and some of the world s greatest music. The students learn how to prepare Fatou s favorite snack, bene, and make a Malian Kanaga mask. I Bisimilla, Fatou!