We have a new author in Africa, and it’s the Academy Award–winning Kenyan actress, Lupita Nyong’o.

She has written a children’s book titled, Sulwe, which is set to be released later this year. It is an interesting picture book that talks about colorism, self-esteem, and inner beauty, regardless of skin colour.

The plot of the story:

Sulwe has skin the color of midnight, and darker than everyone in her family, or anyone in her school. Then, a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

Lupita Nyong’o aims to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

According the author, on her Instagram:

“I wrote Sulwe to encourage children (and everyone really!) to love the skin they are in and see the beauty that radiates from within.”

Sulwe was illustrated by Vashti Harrison and published by Simon & Schuster.

The book will be available from October 1, 2019.