Review: Makade Asin / Black Stone

Makade Asin / Black Stone

Author: Darcy Whitecrow & Cail Judy
Illustrator: Maya McKibbin

Groundwood Books, 2026

ISBN: 9781779460158 (hardcover)
9781779460165 (EPUB)

$21.99 CAD (hardcover)
$16.99 CAD (EPUB)

32 pages

Ages: 3 to 8 years old
Recommended library audience: School and public library

Makade Asin / Black Stone is the author’s rendition of a traditional Indigenous story. In the picture book, a child wakes from a nightmare afraid and asks their elder for help. They are encouraged to embark on a quest to find the Black Stone.

Full-page, full-colour illustrations support the chronicle of their journey through forest, jungle, river/ocean, desert, and back home. The illustrations add context and action to the written message, approaching the style of a graphic novel. Finally, after facing fearsome challenges, they come to understand their own strength and face their fears, returning home as Makade Asin, the Black Stone themselves. 

This compelling and inspirational book is suitable for young readers ages 3-8, and would enrich any children's collection in public or school contexts. Anishinaabemowin translation is incorporated alongside the English text, with authors and translators notes at the back.