Lupita Nyong'o's children's book Sulwe gets a musical adaptation at Netflix

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.