Al’s Journey Awareness Tour is presented in partnership* with Marin and The Children’s Book Review.
Step into a world of magic, mystery, and meaning as we set out on the virtual tour for Marin’s unforgettable new book, Al’s Journey!
On the night of his grandfather’s 100th birthday, Al begins a transformation journey unlike any other. Guided by mystical fireflies, he climbs a mountain alone to reach the sacred hut where he can ask life’s deepest questions. Along the way, he faces trials of courage and heart, and by dawn, he has grown up overnight—becoming the healer his tribe has been waiting for.
Marin Darmonkow is an exceptional author who has been making waves in the literary world with his unforgettable writing skills. His work is a testament to his creativity, passion, and dedication to storytelling.
Midwest Book Review
With each book he writes, his stories are captivating, thought-provoking, and profoundly moving. From his gripping plotlines to his vivid descriptions of characters and settings, Marin’s work is a true delight to read, and any library or home would be fortunate to have his books.
Everyone who enters the virtual book tour giveaway below will receive links to download two of Marin’s creations: a free e-book and a free audiobook! Plus, three lucky winners will take home extra prizes. One grand prize winner will receive $200 via PayPal along with the audio version of Al’s Journey. Another winner will receive $50 via PayPal and the audiobook, and a third winner will receive $20 via PayPal and the audiobook. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy Marin’s inspiring story and win big—enter below!
Al’s Journey
Virtual Tour Dates
| Monday, September 1, 2025 The Children’s Book Review Tour Kick-Off for Al’s Journey |
| Thursday, September 4, 2025 Country Mamas With Kids Book Review or Guest Post about Al’s Journey |
| Friday, September 5, 2025 The Starlit Path Book Review of Al’s Journey |
| Monday, September 8, 2025 @nissa_the.bookworm Book Review of Al’s Journey |
| Tuesday, September 9, 2025 Deliciously Savvy Book Review of Al’s Journey |
| Thursday, September 11, 2025 Q&As with Deborah Kalb Author Interview with Marin |
| Tuesday, September 16, 2025 icefairy’s Treasure Chest Book Review of Al’s Journey |
| Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Barbara Ann Mojica’s Blog Book Review of Al’s Journey |
| Thursday, September 18, 2025 Crafty Moms Share Book Review of Al’s Journey |
Al’s Journey Book Giveaway
Al’s Journey: Book GiveawayAbout the Book
Al’s Journey
Written and Illustrated by Marin
Ages: 5-9 | 32 Pages
Publisher: Fontreal (2025) | ISBN: 978-1-989661-45-1 (Hardcover), 978-1-989661-46-8 (Paperback), 978-1-989661-47-5 (eBook), 978-1-989661-48-2 (Audiobook)
Publisher’s Book Summary: The Night Everything Changed: A Magical Story of Growing Up Fast and Learning Who You Are
What if you woke up tomorrow… a different person?
In Al’s Journey, young readers are invited into the magical story of a boy who grows up overnight—and must learn what it means to grow truly. With dreamlike illustrations and a message that resonates with kids and adults alike, this gentle parable offers a meaningful bedtime read and a touching reminder of the changes we all go through.
Perfect for ages 5 to 9, this book explores:
- The mystery and beauty of growing up
- Emotional self-awareness for young readers
- Gentle lessons in identity, transformation, and empathy
Give your child a story they’ll never forget—with a lesson that will stay with them forever.
Can a child grow up overnight?
Al’s Journey is a magical tale about an orphan boy and his wise grandfather, the shaman of a gold-obsessed tribe that disregarded eating and sleeping while searching for the yellow metal. On his 100th birthday, the shaman announces to Al that it is time for him to begin his own life journey. The boy must climb the mountain alone to reach the roofless sacred hut of the old shaman, where he can ask God crucial questions. As Al makes his way up the mountain peak guided by mystical fireflies, he faces challenges that test his courage and strength. When he finally reaches the summit, Al asks the creator profound questions about the true meaning of life. The valuable experience of the voyage and the response of the supreme being help Al grow mentally, emotionally, and physically overnight and become the healer his tribe needs.
Buy the Book
About the Author/Illustrator
His name is Marin* and he marinates his picture books in a creative concoction brewed on the very beach of the Atlantic East Coast. Marin writes the stories, illustrates the pages, designs the covers, arranges the layout of the elements, and publishes the books. Sometimes he creates new fonts for his titles to make them complete pieces of art. His food-for-thought creations contain only natural ingredients. They are nutrient-dense and perfect for a balanced brain diet.
WARNING: Marin’s books tend to inspire young readers!
*Recipient of the Literary Titan Book Award, Wishing Shelf Book Award, and Creative Child Magazine 2025 Picture Book of the Year; 2024 American Book Fest finalist
For more information, please visit fontreal.com.
Thanks for following along with us on Marin’s Al’s Journey awareness tour!
402 Comments
Looking forward to reading this.
I’m sure you will loike the story.
Sorry for the typo in my previous reply. Please get in touch, and I’ll send you a digital copy.
I’d ask ‘How can we have this world exist in peace and love and caring?’ I’d beg for answer.
I’m an optimist, but my answer is: We can’t. We are too selfish and narrow-minded.
Your gripping plotlines are profound. Thank you for the journey.
Thank you for your kind words. Have you already read one of my humble creations? Adults enjoy the philosophical trends in my children’s stories.
Will life become more analog again?
Yes, after the end of World War III.
Id love to win because this seems like a really interesting story.
If you do not win, get in touch. I’ll send you a copy.
What will happen in the next 25 years?
If we don’t smarten up, we may become extinct.
What was your biggest accomplishment in writing?
My biggest accomplishment in “writing” was when a woman “read” my wordless book ‘TWAS THE NIGHT, and she cried at a book fair.
I would ask what supplements or natural remedies to take for my health to improve.
Our genetics are given, but we choose our lifestyles. Please don’t take any. Eat as healthy a diet as possible and exercise regularly. It may sound like a cliché…
Do you have a Sunday morning routine?
I work every day, including Sunday. After I die, it will be only rest. I hope.
Trick or Treat?
You can find the answer in my story, “Weeny Meeny’s Halloween.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not promoting the book.
I definitely want to read this.
Please get in touch if you don’t win.
When will the world end
There are many different ways the world could end. Here is one of them: The asteroid is already on its way.
What makes you happy?
Many things, but I’ll mention only one: I’m not a male praying mantis.
Is it true that the more you learn, the less you know?
Based on my personal experience: YES!
I would ask how can I improve my willpower to conquer the things that are holding me back.
Do you want your book turned into a miniseries?
Not sure if it is a good fit with my concentrated storytelling.
Have a happy Monday.
Have a great day too.
Sounds fantastic.
How long will I live?
This is a question for the person who has a crystal ball.
Hello, How are you? Whoops, I get that was my question.
Fine. Hope you are fine too.
I would ask how to make the greatest impact on my adult children.
Love is all we need.
How many books have you written?
Fifteen have been published, and another ten are in various stages of development.
Love the illustrations!
Thank you. They just map the story.
Who is your favorite Muppet and why?
Sorry, I’m a TV-illiterate person, although I am vaguely familiar with the Muppets.
You have had a great run!! Thank you.
So far, so good.
What a great book!
Did you have a chance to read it? If yes, what was your favourite part?
Looking forward to reading the book!
Please get in touch, and I’ll send you a digital copy of the book.
Would love to win to share this audiobook with my family.
Sharing is wonderful. Please get in touch, and I’ll send you an audio version (or digital copy, if you prefer) of the book.
Have you ever won a giveaway?
No. Same with lottery. I’ll never win because I do not buy tickets.
where will i find happiness
Happiness is located between your two ears. Please, keep it there and nurture it.
Will I ever be healed?
Will there ever be a deep fried anything that is low in calories AND good for you?
i could use this thanks so much. Help pay sons school books
Short of money? Please get in touch, and I’ll send you a digital book for boys.
Ask my mom questions up there in Heaven and my dad
Good luck everyone
I want to win this to gift it to my 15 year old daughter!
Please get in touch. Lady Luck may give you a hand if you don’t win.
gl all and nice prize
The question I’d ask? What is the point.
The point is to have an answer.
I would like to share this with my granddaughter
I’d like this for a vacation.
I hope you all have a great week.
You are very generous. Thank you for sharing this book.
Would love to win this for my family.
Good luck to all!
Would love to win for my nephew!
I would love to win to give to my granddaughters. I think they would really enjoy this book!
Will I win this contest?
What do people ask about most?