Sulwe, the best-selling children’s story book by Lupita Nyong’o with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, is going to be made into an animated musical on Netflix!
Image credit: Lupita Nyong’o
Announcing the news on Thursday, Netflix confirmed that Sulwe, the New York Times best-selling book by the Oscar-winning actress would be adapted into an animated musical feature film.
At its launch last autumn, the book wowed children and parents alike with its soul-affirming messages and beautiful illustrations, targeted at younger readers.
“Sulwe is a mirror for dark-skinned children to see themselves, a window for those who may not be familiar with colourism, to have understanding and empathy…”
Drawing from her own experiences to write the book, Nyong’o’s debut book follows the life of a five-year-old girl Sulwe, who has skin the colour of midnight. She is darker than everyone she knows. All she wants is to be beautiful and bright. One night, Sulwe is visited by a shooting star sent by the Night and embarks on a magical journey where she learns the eye-opening story of the sisters Night and Day. This is a story about colourism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.
Read our review of Sulwe
Speaking to Deadline, Lupita Nyong’o said: “The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart. 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 colourism, to have understanding and empathy, and an invitation for all who feel different and unseen to recognize their innate beauty and value. 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.”
