Sulwe

Celebrity-authored picture books tend to be just what you’d imagine: all sizzle and no steak. But Lupita Nyong’o’s Sulwe provides a much-needed examination of colorism, where lighter-skinned Africans, African-Americans and Latinas are seen as much more beautiful than their darker sisters. You can tell from the heartfelt words that the dark-skinned Nyong’o suffered from plenty of slights and lack of self-confidence before becoming the Academy Award-winning actor, producer and writer she’s become. This beautiful book would have already been destined to become a classic regardless, but Vashti Harrison’s touching illustrations just seal the deal.

For an added treat, you can listen to Lupita Nyong’o read her own beautiful book show more target="_top">here. show less

Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o makes her children's book debut with Sulwe, a lovely picture-book about a young girl who struggles with issues of self worth because of her dark skin. Wishing she were lighter skinned like her mother and father, convinced she would have more friends if she was more like her sister, Sulwe attempts to lighten her skin herself, until her mother steps in and reminds her that her name means "star," and that she has a light all her own. But what does that mean? When a real star shows up and takes her on a fantastical voyage, sharing the story of the sisters Day and Night, Sulwe finally begins to gain some perspective...

Although often skeptical when it comes to celebrity-authored children's books, show more which I frequently find to be rather lackluster, I am sometimes pleased to be proven wrong, discovering a gem in the process. Sulwe is such a gem, pairing an engaging, poignant and ultimately heartwarming story from Nyong'o with luminously beautiful artwork from illustrator Vashti Harrison. As the author's note makes plain, this is a story rooted in the Lupita Nyong'o's own life experiences, and that really shines through, giving the story an undeniable emotional depth and immediacy. Highly recommended to anyone looking for children's stories about colorism and self esteem. show less

With the help of a legend about Day and Night, a dark-skinned black child learns that she is beautiful inside and out.

Sulwe is “the color of midnight,” the darkest in her multihued family, and is teased in school. She tries everything to lighten her skin: an eraser, makeup, eating light foods, prayer. Her mother tells her she is beautiful and that her name, Sulwe, or “star,” refers to an inner brightness, but she can’t see it in herself. Then a shooting star comes to her window, sent by the night, and brings Sulwe out to tell her about Night and Day, two sisters who loved each other but were treated differently. When Night left after people called her names like “scary,” “bad,” and “ugly,” the people realized that show more they needed her. The stars added that “some light can only be seen in the dark.” After learning how Night and Day are both needed, Sulwe knows that she is “dark and beautiful, bright and strong.” Harrison’s glossy illustrations faithfully render the features of black people, allowing the beauty of different skin tones to shine, with deep purple tones in the darkness, reinforcing the story’s message. In an author’s note, Nyong’o shares her own past struggles with her complexion.

A thoughtfully layered text and powerful illustrations address this sensitive topic in a uniquely nurturing way. (Picture book. 4-9)

-Kirkus Review show less

Ahh, this was the sweetest and most lovely book. I’ve been trying to read more children’s and MG books to recommend for my mother’s classroom, and I’ve discovered that there are so many gems out there in a genre I wouldn’t normally read. This is most definitely one of them.

Content warnings:
- colorism

Representation:
- everyone in the book is Black

A young Black girl, Sulwe, is the darkest in her family and has a sister whose skin looks like noon sunlight. While her sister gets lots of attention and makes lots of friends, Sulwe hides out by herself. Then one night the stars she’s named after tell her an old story about Day and Night, and why it’s important to be who you are and love who you are.

The art, by far, is what shines show more here. Each page and spread is like a masterpiece, colors and textures and everything bringing the text to life in the best way. I’m going to look up what else this artist has done or illustrated. Absolute magic.

The story itself is also very nice, and I’m glad there’s a children’s book talking about issues and problems within marginalized communities, not only the existence of marginalized communities themselves.

All in all, a wonderful read. show less

With the help of a legend about Day and Night, a dark-skinned black child learns that she is beautiful inside and out.

Sulwe is “the color of midnight,” the darkest in her multihued family, and is teased in school. She tries everything to lighten her skin: an eraser, makeup, eating light foods, prayer. Her mother tells her she is beautiful and that her name, Sulwe, or “star,” refers to an inner brightness, but she can’t see it in herself. Then a shooting star comes to her window, sent by the night, and brings Sulwe out to tell her about Night and Day, two sisters who loved each other but were treated differently. When Night left after people called her names like “scary,” “bad,” and “ugly,” the people realized that show more they needed her. The stars added that “some light can only be seen in the dark.” After learning how Night and Day are both needed, Sulwe knows that she is “dark and beautiful, bright and strong.” Harrison’s glossy illustrations faithfully render the features of black people, allowing the beauty of different skin tones to shine, with deep purple tones in the darkness, reinforcing the story’s message. In an author’s note, Nyong’o shares her own past struggles with her complexion.

A thoughtfully layered text and powerful illustrations address this sensitive topic in a uniquely nurturing way. (Picture book. 4-9)

-Kirkus Review show less

This was a great read! The pictures and illustrations throughout this story were beautiful. It is apparent that the illustrator put in a great amount of effort and time into creating beautiful illustrations to accompany the storyline. The story really encourages children to not listen to others' opinions about themselves. The central message of this story is all about self-acceptance and beauty. The authors get the message across, that we should not let others define what beauty means to us. In reading this book, readers learn/are reminded that everyone is beautiful, regardless of skin color. This story is really personal and hits home for me. In the Black community, colorism is an issue that we face way more than necessary. Individuals show more in the Black community are often comparing themselves to one another, where they tend to associate fair/lighter skin with beauty and darker skin as not so beautiful. This greatly impacts students' self-esteem, which is why I really appreciate the message this book relays. Every child, every adult, every person should feel and know that they are beautiful, regardless of shade. Students can learn a lot from this book and some may even be able to relate, which is always a great experience for readers— being able to relate to the text. show less

This is a beautiful book and tale, which takes a problem many children can relate to and then sweeps it off into the world of imagination and dreams in a lovely fairy tale.

While Sulwe believes every single one of her family members is beautiful, she's convinced that her own darker skin makes her uglier than them. The teasing and taunting at school doesn't help matters. Sulwe tries everything she can to make her skin lighter, but nothing works. Mother, of course, tries to explain how gorgeous she really is, but Sulwe isn't convinced. And then, a shooting star enters her bedroom, and she's swept away on an amazing story, which might help show what true beauty is.

Already the cover grabbed my attention with the lovely big eyed girl and the show more magical stars. And that's what this read is—magical. The story starts with a very modern day setting and family, allowing the listener/reader to get to know Sulwe and sympathize with her plight. While not every listener will have the same problem as Sulwe, the idea of not fitting in or not liking a part of oneself is something many listeners can relate to. And Sulwe's desire to change just touches the heart. It's so bitter sweet and sad, making the reader wish they could reach out and hug her.

After this introduction, the story takes a sudden shift into the world of fantasy and lore. It jerks a bit, but the tale of the two sisters is so wonderfully done, that the reader/listener is quickly swept away. It's beautiful and presents the message loud and clear. True beauty isn't always immediately recognized, but that doesn't lessen it. The most lovely beauty comes from within and is as bright as a star.

The illustrations are simply a treat. Not only are Sulwe and her family well depicted, but the flight into the folk tale is as wondrous as the story itself. It's the type of book listeners will want to hear again and again, and not easily forget the tale after the last page has been read. In other words, it's a lovely read young listeners (and older ones) are sure to enjoy.

I received a complimentary copy and found this book so wonderful that I'm leaving my honest thoughts. show less