Lupita Nyong'o wrote a Book????

I used to know her as Nakia from the 2018 Marvel Cinematic Universe film Black Panther, but now I know her as a brilliant educator and children's author. Recently I had the pleasure of reading a library copy of Lupita Nyong'o's 2019 children's book Sulwe, written by Nyong'o herself and illustrated by Vashti Harrison. 

Nyong'o and Boseman appearing in Black Panther (2018) as Nakia and T'Challa

Sulwe tells the story of a young girl experiencing embarrassment and sadness over the darkness of her skin tone. She is visited in the night by a magical star who tells her a story of how the day and the night are sisters, and how lightness and darkness are both beautiful in their own way. Sulwe learns that even the darkest night can shine brightly with beauty. 

The story is beautifully told, in a way that will appeal to many school age children and adults alike. The illustrations are breathtaking, evocative, and inspiring for all ages, including babies and toddlers who may be too young to appreciate the storytelling. 

​If you have a chance, check out this wonderful book and add it to your library. Every child needs to know that Black is Beautiful.