Check Out My Newest Review For Al’s Journey By Marin & Enter To Win A Giveaway! #AlsJourney
This post is sponsored by Marin. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal views.
ABOUT THE BOOK
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.
PURCHASE LINK
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.
MY REVIEW
Book Review: Al’s Journey by Marin
I recently had the chance to read Al’s Journey by Marin, and wow—this little book surprised me in the best way. At first glance, it looks like a picture book for kids, but the story goes much deeper and is so much more. It’s one of those books that works on two levels: kids will enjoy the adventure, and adults will appreciate the bigger themes behind it. What you get with this book is an amazing character…. AI…..a young orphan who’s raised by his wise grandfather, the village shaman. On his grandfather’s 100th birthday (how amazing is that?), Al is sent on a life-changing quest: to climb a sacred mountain and ask God the biggest questions of life. Guided by fireflies, he sets off on a journey that challenges not just his body, but also his heart and spirit.
What I appreciate about this book is that on the surface, it’s an adventure story. But underneath, it’s about courage, growing up, and figuring out your purpose in life. Al learns that bravery doesn’t mean being fearless—it means moving forward even when you’re scared. Along the way, he starts to realize what it means to be a healer and leader for his people. I also have to stress how much I love the artwork. The artwork is everything and the illustrations are gorgeous. Marin keeps them simple but powerful, and they add this dreamy, almost mystical vibe to the story. It feels like you’re reading a legend or a parable, not just a bedtime story.
This book is a must have and it is also a fabulous gift idea for so many on my gift giving list. Even though it’s a picture book, I’d say it’s perfect for older kids (around 7–12), families who like reading together, or even adults who enjoy stories with a spiritual twist. It’s definitely the kind of book that sparks conversations—about life, purpose, and what really matters. I love it …. and Al’s Journey is one of those books that stays with you. It’s short, but it packs in a lot of meaning. If you’re looking for a story that’s beautiful to look at, uplifting to read, and a little bit thought-provoking, this one’s worth adding to your shelf.
TOUR SCHEDULE
Monday, September 1, 2025
Tour Kick-Off for Al’s Journey
Thursday, September 4, 2025
Book Review or Guest Post about Al’s Journey
Friday, September 5, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
Monday, September 8, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
Tuesday, September 9, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
Thursday, September 11, 2025
Author Interview with Marin
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
Thursday, September 18, 2025
Book Review of Al’s Journey
NOW TO THE GIVEAWAY!
Everyone who enters the giveaway will receive links to download two of Marin’s creations: a free e-book and a free audiobook! 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.
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