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    ‘Twas the Night | Book Spotlight

    Bianca SchulzeBy 2 Mins Read General

    ‘Twas the Night
    The Children’s Book Review

    The only wordless children’s book in the 2GETHER picture book collection, Twas the Night is a real Christmas wonder in which a boy in a wheelchair finds an injured white dove on a sidewalk and brings it home.

    TWas the Night Illustration

    About the Book

    Book Twas the Night

    ‘Twas the Night

    Written and Illustrated by Marin

    Ages 5 | 36 Pages

    Publisher: Fontreal | ISBN-13: ‎ 9781775378792

    Publisher’s Synopsis: ‘Twas the Night is the only wordless children’s book in the 2GETHER picture book collection. The setting is dark, urban, and the streets are sprinkled with Christmas lights. A boy in a wheelchair finds an injured white dove on a sidewalk and brings it home. The entire book has no other people, cars, or creatures. This reinforces the uniqueness of the two protagonists and adds a dream-like atmosphere to the publication.

    One of the illustrations shows a framed picture of Peter Pan’s shadow on the mantle, and readers realize the boy’s dream: he wants to fly with the dove. ‘Twas the Night is a real Christmas wonder that encourages readers to apply their own imagination, verbalize their own feelings, and interpret their own emotions while following the illustrations. The subliminal message? Dream big.

    ‘Twas the Night is a remarkable book in which dreams and reality mix, and imagination takes flight – just as the dove and the boy in the wheelchair do.

    Buy the Book
    Amazon
    Author’s Website

    About the Author

    A long time ago, Marin was a child. He was one year old when his father passed away. His mother remarried and Marin was raised by his loving (but strict!) grandparents. He learned to read and write long before he went to school. Books became his imaginary parents and his fictional friends.

    Marin studied nuclear physics, art, and literature. He owned an advertising agency for many years.
    Oh, a few more things: 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 family on the beach of the Atlantic Ocean – in St. John’s, NL, Canada.

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

    Marin Self Portrait
    'Twas the Night Illustration'Twas the Night Illustration

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    *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.

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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.

    110 Comments

      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Thank you, John. Tried to make it interesting and to encourage children’s imagination. My goal is to help the reader create a story based on the illustrations.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        I would love to send a free hardcover version of the book to all people interested but I cannot afford it – the publication was printed in North America and cost me a fortune. And mailing books is not cheap either. In case you are not one of the grand prize winners and you want to have a printed version for your library, please send me a message: darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Stay safe!

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        It was created to encourage children’s imaginations and to enhance children’s libraries. If you do not win one of the grand prizes you can buy a softcover book from Amazon. If hardcover is your preference, please send me a message: darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Have a wonderful day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        You must possess a sixth sense. To make readers focused I deliberately stayed away from adding people, cars, or other unnecessary elements to the illustrations. Just the two main characters…and a bit of magic.

        Reply
    8. Peggy Clayton on

      This is a wonderfully illustrated book and would love to read with my grandgirls when I go to visit them in later Fall!

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Several people cried while “reading” the book – apparently it touched their hearts. You may do the same with your grandgirls in the Fall. If you do not win one of the grand prizes, you can purchase a softcover book from Amazon. My own opinion? The hardcover is the real deal – it is a real Christmas present. If you prefer a hardcover version, please send me a message: darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Enjoy the rest of the day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Every participant will have a free PDF copy of the book. If you like it, you may buy a softcover version from Amazon. For hardcover book, please contact me – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Have a great day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        If you are a collector, you should add this title to your assemblage. I am sure it will be one of your favourites. Amazon sells only softcover versions of the book. For a hardcover copy, please send me a message – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Tried to combine many ingredients together – fun, compassion, and magic included. Plus two main characters – this is the reason the book collection of five is titled 2GETHER.

        Reply
    13. Cheryl Bomar on

      This book would be amazing for my grand kids to read. I remember this book when I was younger and want my grand kids to read it too! Thanks for the chance!

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Softcovers and e-books are available on Amazon, Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and Google Plus. If you prefer a hardcover copy for your grandkids, please send me a message – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Thank you for your kind words.
        Have an amazing day.

        Reply
    15. Marin Darmonkow on

      As an author/illustrator/designer/publisher of the book, I am thrilled to read all your positive comments! I created the wordless story to inspire my readers and you, in turn, inspired me with your words.
      The goal of the giveaway — apart from the three big winners — is to reward every participant with an electronic version of the story.
      Many of you would like to add ‘TWAS THE NIGHT to yours and your (grand)children’s libraries. If you are one of them, I will mail you a hardcover copy of the book (USD 29.99 (taxes, S&H included)) To place an order, my email address is darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com
      If your preference is a softcover edition, here is the Amazon link to the book: https://www.amazon.com/Twas-Night-Christmas-dream-like-collection-ebook/dp/B08NWQP9CV/ref=sr_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=fontreal&qid=1631133977&s=books&sr=1-10
      Thank you all in advance for supporting my humble creation.

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        If she likes the PDF copy you will have from the giveaway, you may buy her a softcover from Amazon. Or a hardcover version from me, the author – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com. Thanks in advance. Have a beautiful day!

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        I tried to make it interesting. Christmas is not an ordinary day and the book – I think – is not ordinary either…

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        My words may sound like an ad but the book I really a present you can open again and again. Softcover versions are available on Amazon and many other online retailers like Kobo, Barnes and Noble, and Google Plus. For a hardcover copy, please send me a message – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com.
        Enjoy your day.

        Reply
    22. gloria patterson on

      WOULD LOVE THIS for my great niece’s book case. She is so funny picking out which book she wants read to her at bedtime

      Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        It will be a great addition to the bookcase. My opinion? Hardcover books are the best on the shelves. And they last longer. If interested to order one, please send a message to me, the author – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com. Have a glorious day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        It is truly inspirational. I deliberately did not show the last page of the book anywhere as it carries the magic of Christmas. Enjoy the rest of the day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Children prefer paper versions – probably it’s more to turn the pages, to go back, to stay longer on a spread, to stop and think…You will have a PDF version soon and I’ll be curious to hear your niece’s “review”.
        Have a wonderful day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Send a message to darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com – if you do not win one of the grand prizes. I’ll send you a poster and several postcards. Stay safe.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        The best ways for kids to learn – without even noticing. I created the book for them – to help their imagination, to learn how to express feelings…Have a great day.

        Reply
      • Marin Darmonkow on

        Thank you, Kirsten. I am a new kid on the publishing block, therefore very pleased that you are familiar with my name. Please email me – darmonkow(at)gmail(dot)com – and I’ll send you a gift. A gift you can open again and again. No strings attached. Stay safe.

        Reply
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