Lupita Nyong'o's book 'Sulwe' now in Kiswahili and Luo

Piece by: Queen Serem
Lifestyle

Academy Award-winning actor and New York Times best-selling author, Lupita Nyong’o, brings Sulwe home to readers in East Africa with a brand new edition available in English, Kiswahili and Luo.

Translated and published by Bunk Books, Sulwe is a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within. The title is now available at book shops and other outlets across East Africa, and is distributed by and available at all Text Book Centre outlets.

Sulwe follows the story of a young girl with skin the colour of midnight. She wants to be beautiful and bright like her mother and sister. A magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

With beautiful illustrations by Vashti Harrison, Sulwe teaches young children to see their own unique beauty.

Through the Kiswahili and Luo translations, young children, along with parents and guardians, are encouraged to absorb new work in indigenous languages.

Lupita Nyong’o says;

“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.”

Sulwe has received critical acclaim since its initial publication in the USA in October 2019. The stunning picture book is a recipient of the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Award and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Children’s Literary Work. Sulwe has appeared on the New York Times best sellers list for 13 weeks.