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Lupita Nyong’o gave a first look at the cover for her upcoming children’s book, Sulwe, on Monday.
“I wrote a book! It’s called #Sulwe! This is the cover!” the Academy Award-winning actress wrote on Instagram. “I’m thrilled to share it with you.”
It was first reported that Nyong’o would write a children’s book in January 2018. According to The New York Times, Sulwe means star in Luo, the actress’ native Kenyan language. The story is about a 5-year-old girl growing up in the East African country, who is uncomfortable having the darkest skin in her family. As the adventure of the book unfolds, the main character learns to appreciate the beauty of her complexion.
The cover was created by author/illustrator/filmmaker Vashti Harrison and depicts Sulwe in hues of purple and blue surrounded by stars.
“I wrote #Sulwe to encourage children (and everyone really!) to love the skin they are in and see the beauty that radiates from within,” Nyong’o revealed in her post caption.
Colorism is something the Us star was familiar with as a child
“European standards of beauty are something that plague the entire world—the idea that darker skin is not beautiful, that light skin is the key to success and love,” the Kenyan actress told Glamour in December 2014. “Africa is no exception. When I was in the second grade, one of my teachers said, ‘Where are you going to find a husband? How are you going to find someone darker than you?’ I was mortified.”
She is hoping her book will provide more representation to help children learn to appreciate their skin.
Sulwe will be released on Oct. 1 but is currently available for pre-order here.
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