Lupita Nyongo's children's book Sulwe is set to be adapted into an animated musical for Netflix. Authored by the actress and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, Sulwe is a story of colorism, confidence, and the beauty within.
Sulwe follows a young Kenyan girl named Sulwe who wishes her dark skin was lighter. After Sulwe is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night, her perspective begins to shift.
"The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart," said Nyong'o, who will be a producer for the Netflix film. "Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love."
"Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colorism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value," she continued. "I am thrilled that the book is being adapted into an animated musical that we hope inspires children all around the world to celebrate their uniqueness."
Earlier in the year, Nyong'o read Sulwe as part of Netflix's Bookmarks, a live-action series featuring prominent Black artists and celebrities reading children's books from other Black authors.