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
At the mountaintop I would ask “What matters most when everything else falls away?”
I would ask how to help someone who needs help, but doesn’t want to be helped.
at the mountaintop I would ask Can anyone hear me
I would ask how many people have stood where I am standing.
I can’t wait to read with my kiddos
I would probably faint because ( have a big fear of heights.
Who else?
Is the hokey pokey what it’s all about?
I’d ask what the next big thing in my life would be.
Why is life so complicated
Is there life after death?
I would ask how many people have stood where I am standing.
is there reallt heaven?
What is the meaning of life?
Hope there is a heaven, everyone I know will be in heaven.
At the mountaintop I’d ask why so many of my friends have passed away.
I would ask what comes next for me in my life
I’d ask if there’s anything I could do to help reach world peace.
Great boost to improve our book collection with a few amazing titles!
Why did God create fatal diseases?
I’d ask why there’s so much suffering in the world, and what we can do.
I think I’d ask “How can we lessen all the suffering in the world?”
If I was lucky enough to win I’d put the money into my feeding my cat fund.
Is anyone really listening?
Love this
I’d ask ” How’d we get here?”
I would love to win this giveaway because the book sounds great and the money sure would help right now.
How were humans formed and where did we come from.
I would love to win this giveaway because it’s a really awesome giveaway!
Sounds like a great giveaway, I would love to win.
How many people have been here before?
I would like to know as Martin Luther King believed after stating he had been to the mountaintop that we, as a people, will get to the Promised Land! I am worried.
I’d like tips on how to keep my mom healthier.
Do you have any advice for new writers?
Why do bad things happen to good people
We are excited to check this book out.
where’s all the money
love to win. need books
I’d ask why so many of my friends have passed away.
I love winning new books – we read them at home and then share with different school / charity groups
On top of the mountain top I would just honestly scream out all my stress LOL
I’d ask what the meaning of my life is!
When will the world live in peace?
I would ask when can we get 300K a head for all the stinky habibi scammers online
I would ask why there is suffering.
I would ask what the ultimate nacho would be, then relay that information to a national chain restaurant whose ultimate nachos are anything but.
This looks like an awesome read. Thanks for sharing.
What is the best way to get back down?
I’d like to know where my true love is!
I’d like to win so I can escape to the mountains with a good book to read.
How the hell s Trump president?
I’d like to ask why dogs age faster than humans
We are all in this together; why can’t we do better and take care of each other instead of fighting against each other.
I would ask what I could do to improve my financial situation
I would like to win this giveaway so I can buy my son the keyboard he really wants!
I would ask how to best help the world with my talents
I would ask what the secret of life is.
Where is Bigfoot?
Where to next?
I would ask to gain wisdom.
How long did it really take to create the Earth?
Why me. God?
I would ask what could I do to make my life better in my senior years
Mountaintop moment: Will I ever be loved?