Sulwe, the 2019 children's book by Hollywood star Lupita Nyong'o, will be adapted into an animated musical by Netflix.

Written by Nyong'o, with illustrations by Vashti Harrison, Sulwe follows a child with skin darker than anyone she knows, who yearns to be "beautiful and bright." The book focuses on colourism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

In a statement to Variety, Nyong'o said, "The story of Sulwe is one that is very close to my heart. Growing up, I was uncomfortable in my dark skin. I rarely saw anyone who looked like me in the aspirational pages of books and magazines, or even on TV. It was a long journey for me to arrive at self-love."

The Oscar-winning actor, who is best known for her roles in Us, Black Panther, and 12 Years A Slave, will serve as a producer on the film.

Published by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers in October 2019, Sulwe was a New York Times bestseller.