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    The Children's Book Review

    The Smile, by Marin Darmonkow | Book Spotlight

    Bianca SchulzeBy Bianca Schulze2 Mins Read General
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    Book Spotlight in Sponsorship with Fontreal + Marin Darmonkow of The Smile
    The Children’s Book Review

    About the Book

    the smile by marin darmonkow: book cover

    The Smile

    Written and Illustrated by Marin

    Ages 5+ | 32 Pages

    Publisher: ‎ Fontreal | ASIN: B0B1VYPCFW

    Publisher’s Synopsis: In a land where there is six months night and six months day, where the wind rarely rests, and food is scarce, a girl and her family struggle to survive. When mother and father leave to find food, Ahnah and her favourite dog, Akiak, must endure on their own, but by following a dream, they may bring a smile to more than one face.

    THE SMILE spread
    Download For Free
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    About the Author

    Marin studied nuclear physics, art, and literature. He owned an advertising agency for many years. A few more things about him: he does not drive, he does not drink carbonated beverages, he had never consumed food from fast-food restaurants, he does not have a mobile phone, he had never used legal or illegal drugs, and he had never visited his GP (much to the disapproval of his wife). He started his small publishing house FONTREAL (children’s picture books) in 2016.

    Marin lives with his wife and two children on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean – in St. John’s, NL, Canada.

    For more information, visit https://fontreal.com/author/.

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    THE SMILE author
    Marin Self Portrait

    What to Read Next:

    1. ‘Twas the Night | Book Spotlight
    2. 2Gether Picture Book Collection | Dedicated Review
    3. No Longer Just a Hope: Children With Disabilities Can Be Successful Readers
    4. Loren Long Talks About His New Book, Otis

    *Disclosure: Please note that this post may contain affiliate links that share some commission. Rest assured that these will not affect the cost of any products and services promoted here. Our team always provides their authentic opinion in all content published on this site.

    Fontreal Marin
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    Next Article Asha and Baz Meet Mary Sherman Morgan | Dedicated Review
    Bianca Schulze
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    Bianca Schulze is the founder of The Children’s Book Review. She is a reader, reviewer, mother and children’s book lover. She also has a decade’s worth of experience working with children in the great outdoors. Combined with her love of books and experience as a children’s specialist bookseller, the goal is to share her passion for children’s literature to grow readers. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she now lives with her husband and three children near Boulder, Colorado.

    51 Comments

    1. Vickie Couturier on June 15, 2022 12:40 am

      My grandchildren would enjoy reading this

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on June 29, 2022 4:12 am

        Haven’t read it yet? Click on one of the red buttons below – the book is free (for a reason) on all major book retailers. Hope your grandchildren enjoy the inspirational story. Reviews appreciated.

        Reply
    2. Linda Gawthrop on June 15, 2022 2:51 am

      What a simple but important thought matched with very compelling illustrations.

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on June 29, 2022 4:21 am

        Thank you, Linda, for your kind words. My goal was to create an educational (without being didactic) and inspiring book with a touch of magic. Apparently, children like the story – it became a bestseller in its category on Amazon…

        Reply
    3. Barbara on June 15, 2022 4:39 am

      I would like to win this book for my son’s classroom.

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on June 29, 2022 4:23 am

        You will. Please contact me here – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com – I wrote, illustrated, designed, and published the book.

        Reply
    4. Sunnymay on June 15, 2022 8:50 pm

      My grandkids would enjoy the colorful artwork illustrating this story.

      Reply
    5. Vickie Couturier on June 16, 2022 5:28 am

      I have some grandchildren that would enjoy this

      Reply
    6. Heather Swanson on June 16, 2022 12:40 pm

      Dallas would love this book!

      Reply
    7. Kirsten Lyon on June 17, 2022 2:53 am

      Beautiful illustrations!

      Reply
    8. Kirsten Lyon on June 18, 2022 9:19 am

      I think my niece would like it!

      Reply
    9. Nancy on June 18, 2022 3:23 pm

      Sounds adorable

      Reply
    10. Kirsten Lyon on June 19, 2022 9:39 am

      Autographed books are extra special!

      Reply
    11. Kirsten Lyon on June 20, 2022 3:04 am

      I am curious about what happens in the story!

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on June 20, 2022 4:06 am

        You can download it. It is free on all major online book retailers. Just click one of the red rectangular buttons under the video trailer above (Amazon, Google, Apple, Kobo, Scribd). The publication will be free forever – for a reason you will find in the book description. Reviews appreciated. Have a wonderful week.

        Reply
    12. Kirsten Lyon on June 21, 2022 2:44 am

      Marin’s books are thought-provoking; good for my niece to read!

      Reply
    13. Kirsten Lyon on June 22, 2022 3:10 am

      The little dog looks cute!

      Reply
    14. Kirsten Lyon on June 23, 2022 3:12 am

      My niece & I could learn about a culture!

      Reply
    15. Kirsten Lyon on June 24, 2022 9:04 am

      I want to see how the family overcomes the hardships!

      Reply
    16. Kirsten Lyon on June 25, 2022 6:50 am

      Marin’s books are thought-provoking; good for my niece & I!

      Reply
    17. Kirsten Lyon on June 26, 2022 6:33 am

      I am interested to know what the dream is!

      Reply
    18. Kirsten Lyon on June 27, 2022 2:58 am

      I like the colors of the illustrations!

      Reply
    19. Kirsten Lyon on June 28, 2022 2:58 am

      I think my niece would find the postcards funny!

      Reply
    20. Kirsten Lyon on June 29, 2022 3:03 am

      I want to see how the girl & dog interact!

      Reply
    21. Leland Lee on June 29, 2022 11:41 am

      My son would love this

      Reply
    22. Xia Lee on June 29, 2022 11:41 am

      My daughter would love this

      Reply
    23. Kirsten Lyon on June 30, 2022 2:51 am

      I hope mother & father find food!

      Reply
    24. Kirsten Lyon on July 1, 2022 1:34 pm

      I am curious what the dream is!

      Reply
    25. Kirsten Lyon on July 2, 2022 7:17 am

      Always looking for new books to give my niece!

      Reply
    26. Kirsten Lyon on July 3, 2022 7:50 am

      I love physical books more than electronic ones!

      Reply
    27. Kirsten Lyon on July 4, 2022 2:51 am

      I could always use some inspiration!

      Reply
    28. Kirsten Lyon on July 5, 2022 3:20 am

      I wonder what the dream is?

      Reply
    29. Kirsten Lyon on July 6, 2022 2:59 am

      I’d like to give my niece a best seller!

      Reply
    30. Kirsten Lyon on July 7, 2022 3:24 am

      I’m curious how a smile is involved!

      Reply
    31. Tony Platz on July 7, 2022 8:33 pm

      I would lie this for my Niece .

      Reply
    32. Donna on July 8, 2022 10:37 am

      Love this

      Reply
    33. Kirsten Lyon on July 8, 2022 10:45 pm

      My niece loves books!

      Reply
    34. Kirsten Lyon on July 9, 2022 4:20 pm

      I love the vibrant colors of the art work!

      Reply
    35. Kirsten Lyon on July 10, 2022 7:59 am

      I like my niece to read a variety of books!

      Reply
    36. Kirsten Lyon on July 11, 2022 3:00 am

      Looking forward to reading it!

      Reply
    37. Donna L on July 11, 2022 5:47 am

      An interesting book.

      Reply
    38. Kirsten Lyon on July 12, 2022 3:18 am

      I hear that too much of the sound of the wind can play with people’s minds.

      Reply
    39. Donna L on July 12, 2022 4:58 am

      I would like this book for my grandchild

      Reply
    40. Donna L on July 13, 2022 4:50 am

      My grandchild would enjoy this book.

      Reply
    41. Kirsten Lyon on July 13, 2022 7:08 am

      Looking forward to what I will learn from this book!

      Reply
    42. Kirsten Lyon on July 14, 2022 3:15 am

      Always good to read a new book!

      Reply
    43. Donna L on July 14, 2022 4:24 am

      My grandchild would enjoy this book

      Reply
    44. Dana Matthews on July 14, 2022 10:57 pm

      I’d like to win so that I can share it with my teen niece, Gracea!

      Reply
    45. Kirsten Lyon on July 15, 2022 10:10 am

      I like the friendship between people & animals!

      Reply
    46. Dale Wilken on July 15, 2022 6:28 pm

      I like your books grandkids love them.

      Reply
    47. Marin Darmonkow on July 16, 2022 2:58 am

      EVERYONE IS A WINNER: Please download your copy from your preferred online book retailer listed above. Click one of the red buttons – the book is permafree for a reason (read the description).
      Thanks in advance to those who post honest reviews about THE SMILE.

      Reply
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