Thrilling news! Academy Award-winning actress and author Lupita Nyong’o will see the East African publication of her children’s picture book Sulwe by Bunk Books. The best part of the news is that the picture book will also be translated into Kiswahili and Dholuo.

Sulwe, a Brittle Paper’s Notable Book of 2019, tells the story of a young Kenyan girl’s struggle with colourism, self-esteem and true beauty that comes from within. It was first published in the US by Simon and Schuster in 2019 and spent 13 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. It went on to win the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work.

The rights to the West African edition was acquired by Nigeria’s Narrative Landscape Press.

On the East African release, Nyong’o said:

“I am very proud to finally be debuting my book, Sulwe, at home in Kenya in English, Kiswahili and my mother tongue, Luo. It has been a dream of mine to have Sulwe published in indigenous languages as a way to celebrate them and keep them alive and relevant. I hope readers enjoy Sulwe’s adventure as she discovers the beauty within.”

She also reacted to the news on Instagram:

 

 

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#Sulwe is coming home, at last! You can now find editions in Kenya in English, Swahili and my mother tongue, Luo. My childhood inspired Sulwe’s story. I hope the book’s message can continue to travel the world for readers of all ages, but it’s especially meaningful to bring it home! 🇰🇪 #BrightnessIsJustWhoYouAre #SulweHomecoming Hatimaye, #Sulwe anakuja nyumbani! Hadithi ya Sulwe, iliyohamasishwa na maisha yangu ya utotoni, sasa inapatikana Kenya kwa matoleo ya Kiingereza, Kiswahili na lugha yangu pendwa, Kijaluo. Natumaini ujumbe wa kitabu hiki utaendelea kusambaa duniani kwa wasomaji wa rika zote. Hasa muhimu kuuleta ujumbe huu nyumbani! 🇰🇪 Gikone to #Sulwe koro gowo! Sani chapa mag bugni ma ondik gi dho Ngere, Oswayo kod dhowa, Dholuo, yudore Kenya ka. Sigand Sulwe owuok kuom ngimana kaka nyathi. Ageno ni kuku sigana ni biro landore e piny ngima to moloyo ne jo-Kenya. Amor sidang’ ni Sulwe ochopo dala! 🇰🇪

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