Marin .'s Blog: DO YOU LIKE ME? (my first try to show you my face went wrong)
September 11, 2025
LAUNCHED TEN DAYS AGO
So far, AL'S JOURNEY giveaway organized by TheChildrensBookReview.com has more than 12,000 entries. And there are twenty days left, which is encouraging. Here is one review published yesterday on DELICIOUSLY SAVVY:
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.
https://www.thechildrensbookreview.co...
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.
https://www.thechildrensbookreview.co...
July 19, 2025
CAN A CHILD GROW UP OVERNIGHT?
AL'S JOURNEY is a fascinating story about the priceless relationship between children and grandparents. True, the generational connection is already lost, and the valuable inherited wisdom is also lost. Video games, the Internet, and mobile phones have proven that they are not as good caregivers as grandparents.
AL'S JOURNEY is the first picture book I am creating in honour of all the grandparents in the world.
The publication will be launched on September 1st in hardcover, paperback, electronic, and audio formats.
Here is one of the illustrations from the book.
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=...
AL'S JOURNEY is the first picture book I am creating in honour of all the grandparents in the world.
The publication will be launched on September 1st in hardcover, paperback, electronic, and audio formats.
Here is one of the illustrations from the book.
July 5, 2025
MY UPCOMING NEW TITLE
CAN A CHILD GROW UP IN ONE NIGHT?
I created AL'S JOURNEY as a fascinating story about the priceless relationship between grandchildren and grandparents. I feel sad that the generational connection is already lost, and the valuable wisdom that has been passed down through generations is now lost. Netflix, the Internet, and mobile phones have proven that they are not as good caregivers as grandparents.
Below is the illustration from the first page of the publication. Here is the beginning of AL'S JOURNEY - the first out of three books I plan to launch on September 1st this year.
AL’S JOURNEY
A story about a young orphan boy, an old shaman, and their gold-digging tribe
"Once upon a time, there was a tribe living in a village at the foot of a mountain. The villagers loved gold, and they dug the slopes day and night.
They often forgot to eat and rest while they dug, looking for more and more of the gold they loved so much. They even engaged their children in the ever-increasing hunt for the shiny yellow metal."
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I created AL'S JOURNEY as a fascinating story about the priceless relationship between grandchildren and grandparents. I feel sad that the generational connection is already lost, and the valuable wisdom that has been passed down through generations is now lost. Netflix, the Internet, and mobile phones have proven that they are not as good caregivers as grandparents.
Below is the illustration from the first page of the publication. Here is the beginning of AL'S JOURNEY - the first out of three books I plan to launch on September 1st this year.
AL’S JOURNEY
A story about a young orphan boy, an old shaman, and their gold-digging tribe
"Once upon a time, there was a tribe living in a village at the foot of a mountain. The villagers loved gold, and they dug the slopes day and night.
They often forgot to eat and rest while they dug, looking for more and more of the gold they loved so much. They even engaged their children in the ever-increasing hunt for the shiny yellow metal."
[image error]
May 22, 2025
MY UPCOMING NEW TITLE
Here is one illustration from my upcoming title AL'S JOURNEY. The publication will be launched on September 1st. The picture book is a fascinating story about the meaning of life and how a child can grow up in one night.
May 20, 2024
January 14, 2024
December 17, 2023
December 11, 2023
FLATTERING REVIEWS REGARDING ART
There are plenty of great reviews regarding ART on Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon, Medium, and other platforms. Here is the beginning of one: They say a picture is worth a thousand words.... then this book is worth millions. Art's story is told in Marin's unique art style.
August 5, 2023
ART - COVER FINAL VERSION
I plan to launch my wordless picture book ART in November. Art is autistic. He has only one friend - an old teddy bear. Art does not speak but he creates art. Art that defies even gravity.
My guarantee: the publication is LIKE. NO. OTHER. you have ever read.
I embedded my soul in the book.
Please subscribe to my newsletter https://fontreal.com/newsletter/
so I can send you an advanced reader copy with the next issue. By the way, after you subscribe, you will receive a link to a hilariously funny book regarding our human nature.
Thanks in advance.
My guarantee: the publication is LIKE. NO. OTHER. you have ever read.
I embedded my soul in the book.
Please subscribe to my newsletter https://fontreal.com/newsletter/
so I can send you an advanced reader copy with the next issue. By the way, after you subscribe, you will receive a link to a hilariously funny book regarding our human nature.
Thanks in advance.
