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
Why does evil persist?
Why is the political left such an evil death cult?
Secrets to a good gravy?
How can one find the secrets to a good gravy?
Love to win this for my autistic grandson who is reading now thanks to audiobooks
What a great story for the young readers!
I would ask what can I do better to live my life to the fullest?
Congrats on the book!
Sounds like an outstanding read.
I’d ask why the world changes for the worst sometimes
I so nedd this, fingers crossed.
Story telling is an art that you have captured.
What would you ask another wise man on a hill?
Is blue the right color for this wall?
Sounds like a fantastic book.
Love to win this for my grandson who is autistic and just beginning to read because of listening to audio books first
Where am I again?
Will my life get better?
Were those who have the answers seeking them too?
I would ask why there is so much hate in the world.
I’d ask why death can be so painful
I’d love to win for my grandson!
I would love to have your books at my house!
Would love to win because it seems like a great book.
I was told this book explains a lot of issues others havent been able to
I’d ask why my family is so disfunctional
I’d love to win for my grandson
How did all these flies get in here?
Do you want any of your books adapted into movies?
I would ask where to live to fulfill my destiny.
I would use the prize money to buy my son the keyboard he is wanting and would enjoy the book for myself.
This would be a cool prize to win.
I have so many things I would ask! So many questions that can only be answered by the passage of time!
Can you always trust your gut?
Thanks for the contest.
I would ask why people get addicted to drugs or alcohol.
What question should I be asking? Is what I would ask.
It looks like a great book and I would love to win it for my granddaughters to enjoy!
I’d ask what causes mental health issues
How did you become an oracle?
I’m honestly not sure what I’d ask.
I so hope to win this.
A journey never ends.
Did you read and enjoy The Long Walk yet?
I’m out of questions.
My grandson will like it.
Who DID let the dogs out?
I would ask how can people be so evil.
Could really use this.
I’d ask why there is so much violence in the world today
I would ask if I will enjoy the same long life as my father had.
What happens when someone doesn’t ask something?
Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks so much for giveaway!
Why did my kitty Magic pass away in my arms an hour before his vet appointment this past week 🙁
I would spend the money on my son and keep the book for myself.
How can we learn to live together?
How do I learn to let little things go?
Would love to win because I think my family would enjoy this book.
Do you ever think about books that are lost media?
I would ask if my son’s current relationship will lead to marriage and children
Will there ever be a time when EVERYBODY Wang Chungs tonight?
Sounds like an amazing read!
I’d ask what the future holds for me
How long did it take to write your book?
Would love to win to share this great book with my family.
When will there be better times?