Academy Award-wining actress Lupita Nyong’o’s first children’s book has been revealed and it’s as breathtaking as the star herself. Titled Sulwe, Nyong’o’s book explores themes of self-confidence and identity.
Nyong’o gave fans a first look at her beautiful new children’s picture book on her Instagram feed and it quickly garnered thousands of likes and comments. As Nyong’o explains in the caption, “I wrote Sulwe to encourage children (and everyone really!) to love the skin they are in and see the beauty that radiates from within. The extraordinary Vashti Harrison illustrated the story.”
The star of Jordan Peele’s Us had first announced the book a little over a year ago. In an interview for The New York Times Nyong’o discussed a viral speech she had given about growing up with the challenges of Western standards of beauty and how colorism had impacted her growing up. The book deals with the same subject matter and her hope is that it will reach audiences who may be too young to have access to her empowering speech.
Sulwe illustrator Vashti said in her own Instagram post. “I’ve been keeping this secret for so long! I’ve had the incredible opportunity to illustrate this amazing picture book written by Lupita Nyong’o! Sulwe is a beautiful story that will inspire all readers to love the skin they are in and see the beauty that radiates from within!”
Sulwe is now available for pre-order and will hit bookshelves on Oct. 1.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Lupita Nyong’o via Instagram
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