Bible Adventures: Why Your Kids'll Love These Time-Travel Tales

I've recently had the chance to look over two new books for kids that I think you're going to find very interesting. These books are part of a series called The Mystery of the Ancient Map. They were sent to me for free so I could check them out and share what I think about them. Even though I don't have kids of my own, I'm always looking for good gifts. I've decided I'll be giving these to a coworker of my husband. She has a granddaughter who's just starting to read on her own, and these seem like a great fit for her.

When I first held these books, I noticed how light they feel. They're small and easy to carry, which is perfect for little hands. The covers are very colorful and they really catch your eye right away. I'm forty five years old, and even I thought the art on the front was fun to look at. Inside the books, the pictures are in black and white. They aren't as bright as the covers, but they still have plenty of detail. 

I think kids who like adventure stories will find them very engaging. It's nice to find books that focus on faith and bravery in a way that doesn't feel boring or too heavy. These stories move fast and keep you wanting to know what happens next. If you're looking for a way to help a child learn more about the Bible while having fun, these are a solid choice.

Disclosure: I received these items free in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

⚡ Key Takeaways

• 📖 These books help kids learn Bible stories through fun adventures.
• 🎨 The covers are bright and colorful to get kids excited about reading.
• 🎒 They are lightweight and small enough for kids to carry in a backpack.
• 🙌 The stories teach important lessons about prayer and God's plan.
• 🏫 This series is perfect for new readers between the ages of 6 and 9.

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What Is The Mystery of the Ancient Map Series?

This series is written by M.J. Thomas. You might know him from his other series called The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls. These new books expand on that world but you don't have to read the old ones to understand these. The main characters are two kids named Peter and Mary. They also have a dog named Hank who goes on adventures with them. They spend their time traveling through history to see Bible events happen in person.

It starts when they get an invitation to go to Israel. Their Great Uncle Solomon is getting an award for his work in archaeology. While they're there, a woman gives Peter a map. This map has red marks on it that show where they need to go. It's a very cool setup for a story because it makes you feel like you're solving a puzzle along with the characters.

The series is designed for emerging readers. This means it's for kids who are just starting to read longer stories by themselves. The chapters are short and the words aren't too hard to understand. It's a lot like the Magic Tree House books that many kids already love. Instead of just learning history, these books focus on biblical literacy. This means they help kids understand the stories in the Bible and how they all fit together.

I think it's a great way to build a foundation of faith while also working on reading skills. The books remind kids that God has a plan for them just like He had a plan for the people in the Bible. It's an encouraging message that's woven right into the action. You won't find many books that balance these things so well.

The pace of the stories is very quick. There's always something happening, so kids won't get bored. I appreciate stories that are simple and positive. These books provide that kind of experience. They don't use a lot of complex words or ideas that might confuse a young reader. Instead, they focus on the core of the story. 

You see the characters face problems and find ways to solve them with help from God. This is a great lesson for kids to learn early in life. It shows them that they don't have to face hard times alone. The books are also a good length. They aren't so long that they feel overwhelming, but they're long enough to tell a full story. This makes them a great tool for building confidence in reading.

Book One: The Brave Queen and the Story of Esther

The first book in this series is called The Brave Queen. It follows the story of Esther from the Bible. In this book, Peter and Mary use their map to travel back to ancient Persia. This is where they meet Queen Esther and her cousin Mordecai. They also meet the villain of the story, a man named Haman. 

The kids have to figure out the secret of the scroll while they're in the middle of a very dangerous situation. The story covers the events found in the book of Esther, chapters one through ten. It's a great way to see how Esther was brave and how she saved her people. The book does a good job of showing that Esther wasn't just a queen, but someone who had to make hard choices. Kids can really look up to her character.

I like how the book shows that God puts people in specific places for a reason. This is one of the main themes of the story. It tells the readers that just like Esther, God has a plan for their lives too. This is a very comforting thought for kids to have. The illustrations throughout the book help bring the action to life. You can see the palace and the characters as you read. This helps kids who might struggle to imagine everything in their heads. 

The book is an excellent gift for any child who likes stories about heroes and secrets. It's also a good choice for parents who want to teach their kids about the women of the Bible. Esther is a fantastic role model because of her courage and her faith. She shows that being brave doesn't mean you aren't afraid, it means you do what's right even when you are scared.

The interactions between Peter, Mary, and the biblical characters feel very natural. They don't just stand around and watch things happen. They get involved in the story and talk to the people they meet. This makes the history feel more real and less like a dry lesson. You get to see what life might have been like in a Persian palace. 

The book also explains things in a way that makes sense to a young mind. It doesn't get bogged down in too many details about the government or politics of the time. Instead, it stays focused on the characters and their mission. This keeps the energy high from start to finish. I think most kids will want to finish the whole book in one or two sittings because they'll want to see how the kids get back home. It's a fun ride that also teaches a lot of truth.

Book Two: The Big Fish and the Story of Jonah

The second book is called The Big Fish. In this one, Great Uncle Solomon takes the kids on a train trip. They find a new red mark on their map that leads them to the sea. They find another scroll and end up traveling back in time again. This time they end up as stowaways on a ship. A huge storm comes up and they meet a man named Jonah. Most people know the story of Jonah and the big fish, but this book lets you see it through the eyes of the kids. 

They actually end up being swallowed by the fish along with Jonah! This is a very exciting part of the book that kids will likely talk about for a long time. It covers the events in the book of Jonah, chapters one through three. It's a story about running away from God and then finding your way back through prayer.

The main lesson in this book is about prayer. It reminds readers that when they're in trouble, they can always talk to God. Jonah's time inside the fish is a great example of this. The book shows that even when we make mistakes, God still hears us. This is a powerful message for young kids who might feel bad when they do something wrong. 

The story also takes the characters to Nineveh, which was a very important city in the Bible. They encounter the Enemy and have to work together to solve the secret of the scroll. The action is fast and there are plenty of surprises along the way. Having the dog Hank along for the ride adds a bit of humor to the story. He's a fun character that kids will enjoy following. The book is a great way to explore the idea of second chances and obedience.

The writing in The Big Fish is just as clear and easy to follow as the first book. The author knows how to talk to kids without sounding like he's lecturing them. The adventure feels authentic and the stakes feel real. You really wonder how they're going to get out of the fish and finish their mission. 

The black and white drawings inside help to show the scale of the big fish and the storm at sea. These visuals are important for keeping emerging readers focused on the page. I think this book is a perfect follow up to the first one. It builds on the mystery of the map and makes you want to see where the kids will go next. If you have a child who loves animals or stories about the ocean, they'll probably like this one the best. It's a classic story told in a fresh and exciting way.

Why These Books Are Great for Emerging Readers

When kids are between the ages of six and nine, they're often moving from picture books to chapter books. This can be a big step for them. Books like these make that transition much easier. The font is a good size and there's plenty of space on the pages. This means the text doesn't look scary or too crowded. The inclusion of illustrations every few pages gives the kids a break from reading and helps them stay connected to the story. 

I've seen many kids get frustrated with books that are just walls of text. These books avoid that problem. They are designed to be successful for kids who are still building their reading stamina. This means they can finish a chapter and feel like they've really accomplished something. This builds their confidence and makes them want to read more.

Another reason these books are great is because they focus on biblical literacy. Many children's books today are just for fun and don't teach much of anything. While there's nothing wrong with that, it's nice to have options that provide more value. These stories help kids get familiar with the people and places in the Bible. When they hear these stories in church or at school, they'll already have a mental picture of them. 

This helps them understand the Bible better as they get older. The books also tackle important character traits like bravery, honesty, and faith. These are lessons that every child needs to learn. By seeing the characters in the books live out these traits, kids can see how to apply them in their own lives. It's a very practical way to teach good values.

I also think these books are perfect for busy families. Since they're small and lightweight, you can take them anywhere. You can keep one in the car or in a bag for when you're waiting at a doctor's office or a restaurant. They're a much better option than a tablet or a phone. Reading together can also be a great way for parents to bond with their kids. 

You can read a chapter out loud and then talk about what happened. Ask the child what they would do if they were in the story. This helps with their reading comprehension and lets you share your own faith with them. It's a simple way to spend quality time together while also learning something new. I'm glad I get to pass these along to a family that will enjoy them.

Where to Get Your Own Copies

If you're interested in picking up these books, they are easy to find online. You can find The Brave Queen here. The second book, The Big Fish, is available here. They're very affordable, which makes them a great choice for a birthday gift or a small surprise for a child who has been doing well in school. I think they would also be a great addition to a church library or a homeschool classroom.

They provide a lot of entertainment and education for a low price. Since they're part of a series, your child might want to collect all of them as they come out. It's always a good thing when a child gets excited about a book series. It keeps them reading and keeps their minds growing.

I'm always looking for things that bring a bit of joy and learning into the world. These books definitely do that. They're simple, fun, and full of good messages. Whether you're a parent, a grandparent, or just someone looking for a good gift, these books are worth checking out. 

They offer a unique way to experience the stories of the Bible that kids will truly enjoy. Don't forget to look for more adventures from M.J. Thomas in the future. He has a real talent for making the Bible feel like the exciting adventure that it actually is. Your kids will thank you for giving them something so fun to read.

Faith and Fun in Every CHapter

These books are a fantastic way to bring the Bible to life for kids. Instead of just hearing a story, they get to jump into the action with Peter, Mary, and their dog, Hank. By focusing on God's plan and the power of prayer, the series builds a solid foundation for a child's faith while keeping things exciting. I'm really impressed by the quality, and I'm sure my husband's co-worker's granddaughter will have a blast reading them.

If you need a meaningful gift, you can't go wrong here. These stories build reading confidence and biblical literacy all at once. With time travel, ancient maps, and plenty of adventure, they've got everything a young explorer needs. Grab your copies today and start a journey through history that your whole family'll love.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What age range is best for The Mystery of the Ancient Map series? 

 A: These books are specifically designed for emerging readers who are typically between the ages of 6 and 9. The language used in the books is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for children who are just starting to read chapter books on their own. The stories are fast-paced to keep their attention, and the chapters are short so they don't feel overwhelmed. If your child enjoys adventure stories and is ready for something more than a picture book, they'll likely find these books to be a great fit for their reading level.

Q: Do kids need to read The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls before starting these books? 

A: No, kids don't need to have any prior knowledge of the previous series to enjoy these new books. While The Mystery of the Ancient Map does expand on the world created in the earlier series, each book is a standalone adventure. The author does a great job of explaining who the characters are and how the time travel works right at the start. This means new readers can jump right in with book one, The Brave Queen, without feeling like they've missed anything important. It's a perfect starting point for everyone.

Q: Are the illustrations in the books helpful for young readers? 

A: Yes, the illustrations are a very important part of these books. While the covers are bright and colorful, the inside pictures are in black and white and appear throughout the chapters. These drawings help to bring the action and the historical settings to life. For emerging readers, having a visual reference can help them better understand the plot and the characters. It also gives them a mental break from the text, which can help prevent them from getting tired while reading. The art is engaging and helps make the biblical history feel more real.

Q: What are the main lessons children will learn from these stories? 

A: Each book in the series focuses on a specific biblical truth and a key lesson for life. For example, The Brave Queen teaches kids that God has a specific plan for their lives, just like He did for Queen Esther. The Big Fish focuses on the importance of prayer and how we can always talk to God when we're in trouble. These lessons are woven into the adventure so they feel natural and not forced. The books aim to build biblical literacy and help children understand how God's word applies to their own experiences every day.