Growing up is hard. It is even harder when you have to do it quickly and take on an adult job. Today we are sharing a magical book about an orphaned boy who grows up in a night. It takes a look at what growing up means and about becoming more self-aware. The book is Al's Journey by Marin. At the end of the post there is a giveaway.
About the Book:
Al’s Journey Written and Illustrated by MarinAges: 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: 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
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.
Amazon
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.
From Me:
Al is an orphaned boy whose grandfather lives on the top of a mountain with a tribe village below. The villagers are obsessed with gold. They spend all of their time looking for gold. They sometimes do not eat or sleep and have their kids looking for gold. Al's grandfather is a shaman. He comes down from his hut on the top of the mountain each day to care for the villagers. He has Al join him as he treats the various people so Al can learn. On his one hundredth birthday, the shaman tells Al it is his turn to be the shaman, but he must climb the mountain without help. He gives him magic water. The number of drinks of the water he has on the journey will be the number of questions he will be allowed to ask God as well as the number of tips he can give Al. Through the journey Al physically grows. He is bigger and stronger and begins noticing it. He even protects his grandfather on the journey. He gets to be the first tribe member to enter the shaman's hut, and he becomes the shaman. His grandfather is lifted into the sky and Al sleeps in the hut and returns to the village the next day to care for the villagers.
The story is very interesting. It shares Al's own journey in becoming the adult and caring for others. On his journey he is able to drink the magic water and with each drink he grows in size and strength. Throughout the journey he also seems to mature and learn empathy. He asks God questions that relate to the meaning of life but also about caring for the villagers. I feel like there are some good discussions to have about his questions and about the obsession with gold. Though some of these discussions would be best with the older end of the age range and perhaps even a bit older.
I love the magic in the story. Al is led up the mountain by magical fireflies. Each sip of water magically changes him. He grows enough that his tunic becomes a shirt. He notices the changes happening to him. The water pouch seems smaller, and his hands seem bigger when he holds his grandfather's hand. He is self-aware and empathetic. These are something that many kids are missing, and it is good for them to read the story about Al growing up and having these. I think this book is perfect for kids to read on their own as well as story times at school, home and everywhere.
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. Good luck!!
