This treasure, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, is our third pick of BLM Book Fairies which promotes Black authors.

Sulwe is written by Lupita Nyong’o and illustrated by Vashti Harrison, and is an uplifting story about a child coming to terms with her place in the world.

About the book:

From Academy Award–winning actress Lupita Nyong’o comes a powerful, moving picture book about colourism, self-esteem, and learning that true beauty comes from within.

Sulwe has skin the colour of midnight. She is darker than everyone in her family. She is darker than anyone in her school. Sulwe just wants to be beautiful and bright, like her mother and sister. Then a magical journey in the night sky opens her eyes and changes everything.

In this stunning debut picture book, actress Lupita Nyong’o creates a whimsical and heartwarming story to inspire children to see their own unique beauty.

Sulwe: A Book Fairy Review

This book is quite simply delightful. It shows the power of storytelling, through, well, storytelling. This little girl starts feeling self-doubt and not even her mother can help her. Only by seeing the story of the day and the night does Sulwe gain the confidence to be proud of who she is and start to understand that she really does have a place in the world.

This is a book that all children should read, regardless of background – it celebrates the unique experiences as you grow up and reminds us that the world is a happier place because of our differences, not despite of them.

Get your hands on a copy of Sulwe:

You can find Sulwe at good book shops, and also online at Hive Books and Abe Books.

Become a book fairy!

It’s so easy to join us and celebrate great books by hiding them in public! Get started by ordering some goodies from the shop. Every order comes with a book fairy guide AND free worldwide delivery, and if you spend over £5 you will also get you a postcard of a hidden hero from Black history!