The story, written in Navajo and English, follows the journey of Cinnibah, a young Navajo maiden who lives in the deep Dinétah. She looks after her widowed father, and every day she grinds corn into flour to make their bread. To do so, she uses a metate—an ancient grinding stone that has been passed down in her family for generations. When Cinnibah accidentally shatters the metate, she sets out on a journey to find someone who can help her mend the stone. Her quest brings her to a Moccasin Maker, a Potter, and, finally, the mysterious Stone Cutter. Will he be willing to help her?
A story about loss and recovery, with strong ties to family and community, The Stone Cutter and the Navajo Maiden is an excellent early reader for both Navajo children and school children in need of learning more about Navajo culture.
Vee F. Browne is from Cottonwood/Tselani, Arizona, and is a member of the Navajo Nation, belonging to the Bitter Water and Water Flows Together clans. She obtained her master’s in arts from Western New Mexico University in 1990. A journalist, educator, and fiction writer, Ms. Browne is also an Arizona Interscholastic Athletic Association volleyball and basketball referee. As an award-winning author, she has received much acclaim for her children’s books, including Monster Slayer and Monster Birds.
New! Salina Bookshelf Presents a Book Preview