Lupita Nyong’o Has a Big Surprise for Fans of Her Hit Children’s Book ‘Sulwe’

If you loved Lupita Nyong’o’s 2019 children’s book, Sulwe, then you might want to sit down for this news.

The Black Panther star, 37, just announced that she narrated an audiobook version, which will be released by Listening Library on February 23. Nyong’o discussed the new venture in an interview with People magazine and revealed that the narration will help readers further connect with the characters.

“Listening to a book read aloud is such a personal, intimate way to experience the characters and story,” she said. “I wanted to narrate the audiobook for Sulwe myself in order to bring to life the characters as I had imagined them in my head when writing the book.”

Sulwe is a children’s book that tells the story of a 5-year-old girl, whose skin is darker than that of her mother and sister. It’s not until Sulwe (meaning “Star”) embarks on a magical journey through the night sky that she discovers how special she truly is.

Nyong’o admitted that the book is based on her personal experiences as a child, adding, “The character of Mama, for one, is inspired by my own mother, and it was rewarding to emulate the warmth, calm and compassion that she continues to comfort and guide me with to this day.”

She continued, “I had so much fun performing the voices for Sulwe, her family, Night, and Day, and I can’t wait for readers to hear them.”

The feeling is mutual.

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