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
I’d ask if there is one piece of advice or knowledge they have to give me.
I’d ask if I could turn back time, if I could find a way… 😛
I would ask if there are grandchildren in my future.
What do you do up here for fun?
This book would be great for my young niece!
I would ask why the weather can be so unpredictable.
I’d ask to go back to the 1970’s
Why do people ignore science?
This is a really cool sounding book.
What a fantastic giveaway this is. Thanks for sharing.
Everyone would benefit from your book.
Do you have any pets?
I would ask if I will have any grandchildren?
I would love to win to have a great book to enjoy with my family.
Where should I live?
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Got internet service up here?
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Is it possible to live without regrets?
Will I ever find the love of my life
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Will I ever experience true happiness?
Will the Winnipeg Jets ever win the Stanley Cup?
Who is your biggest inspiration?
May I use your toilet?
Will the members of my family currently having health issues be fully healthy again?
Im very excited to read this.
What is my purpose or calling?
I’d ask if my father would have gone to the doctor sooner his cancer would have been treatable
Is a biopsy advisable for my mom?
Your dedication to storytelling is fabulous.
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How will the world as we know it, end?
After all the research, why are there no cures for diseases?
Best of luck everyone.
My nephew would enjoy to read this!
How can I help people?
What’s the Wi-Fi password?
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What a beautiful journey!!
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I would ask if I will fulfill all of the wishes on my bucket list before I die.
Can anybody hear me?
Do your characters remind you of anyone?
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Who do you think you are? Mr Bigstuff?
What’s your feelings on AI?
I’d ask what dreams really mean
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Do people even notice if I go out of my way to help them?
How many licks to get to the center of a Toostie Pop Tootsie Roll?
I’d ask why some people lie & cheat in life
I would ask how long it will take me to be debt free.