The publisher, Worthy Kids/Ideals, is the same one who puts out children's books like Veggie Tales and The Berenstain Bears among many others. I was pleased that I knew that meant these books would have an underlying agenda to build the faith of young children, while keeping their attention with excitement and intrigue.
We had the opportunity to review the first two books in this new series:
- The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: The Beginning (Book #1)
- The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: Race to the Ark (Book #2)
Each book is about 100 pages and created for ages 6 to 9 (1st to 3rd grade). Written by MJ Thomas, these time-travelling journeys to Biblical places to teach the Bible to children at a prime age and stage. Each story revolves around Peter, Mary, and their dog Hank who are transported to different Biblical time periods and events and have to figure out the secret of the scroll within a 7 day time period.
In Book #1 - The Beginning, we are first introduced to Peter, Mary and Hank as they enter the home of their Great-Uncle Solomon. The children find out that their great-uncle has hidden scrolls in his library from his years as an archaeologist. Peter is so interested in the scrolls and wants to figure out where they are, but the library is locked. Or is it ... they hear a lion roar (maybe from the door knockers) and they go to investigate and find they can enter the library. As they go in they find an ancient jar holding these interesting scrolls.
As we skip ahead we find Peter. Mary and Hank transported to the first day of Creation! They have to figure out the 3 word message, written in Hebrew, on this scroll so that they can return home ... or be stuck back in time forever. Thankfully, when the firmament is separated the children meet the Angel Michael, who helps them on their journey during the Days of Creation. But they do have to avoid that slithering snake who is trying hard to convince them that God is not there and hasn't been. The hard part is following the typical time-travel rules -- don't tell people you are from the future, try not to change the past, and if they do not figure out the scroll message they will be STUCK FOREVER! They only have 3 more days, will they figure it out in time? Has Michael given them enough clues? A must read!
In Book #2 - Race to the Ark, we find that Peter, Mary, and Hank are still living with Great-Uncle Solomon in his boring home that is full of books, maps, and old things, but no television. But soon they hear the roar of the lion and realize it's time for another time-travelling adventure. This time they find themselves in a completely different situation then their first adventure. They are in a big city that is full of what seems mean and bully like people. They are told they can not believe in God and that the city is ruled by the Dark Ruler. They are met by the angel Michael again where they now have to decode another scroll, but this time it has 7 words! And still just a week or they will be stuck!!!
As they are travelling in this new time, they do come across one family who is much different and whom believe in God. Peter later runs into the Dark Ruler (Satan) who encourages him to not believe or follow Noah and his big idea of this great flood that will occur. Then he locks the children up and then goes after Noah and his family. Will the children be able to escape? Will they be able to decode the scroll's message and get home? Or will they choose to go with Noah and get on the ark? Another well written, engaging story for you to read and find out the end.
We've had a great time reading these together. My son is still in the first book. I am reading them aloud, but also having him read them with me or with dad. He's a very emerging reader and so he is only in the first part of book 1. So I had my eldest, who is 14, read them. She was able to finish both Hidden Scrolls books in about a day or so. She LOVES mystery and adventure stories. She thoroughly enjoyed them and can not WAIT until the next ones come due. The above synopsis is from her re-telling me the stories so that I could write up this review. I am so lucky to have another lover of reading in the family.
My other daughter, who has only in the last few years has become to cultivate her love of reading, will certainly be reading these books soon. I have found her several times hovering around while her brother and I were team reading the book aloud. I think he's a little too slow, so she'll start reading them on her own to figure out the clues.
My other daughter, who has only in the last few years has become to cultivate her love of reading, will certainly be reading these books soon. I have found her several times hovering around while her brother and I were team reading the book aloud. I think he's a little too slow, so she'll start reading them on her own to figure out the clues.
I love that these books have a Biblical message. These can be a part of your Bible time or you can incorporate them into your history lessons and expanding to see other parts of what was going on in the world. These are just more then just wholesome books. Make sure you check out, Worthy Kids/Ideals on Facebook, Instagram, and on Twitter. And you will want to read more about these books on other Crew member's blogs by clicking the link below.
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