M.J. Thomas

Bringing a fresh perspective to Biblical stories — that’s what M. J. Thomas’ The Secret of The Hidden Scrolls series does for kids. In the fourth book of the series, Journey to Jericho, Peter, Mary, and their dog Hank find themselves with Joshua and the whole company of the Hebrew people on the cusp of entering the land God had promised them. Peter and Mary soon find themselves in the middle of the action, and your child will be too as they gain insight into the familiar Bible story. show more This book is a good way to get kids excited about reading the Bible. Recommended.

Peter and Mary are visiting their great uncle Solomon for a month. An archaeologist by trade, Solomon has found a way for his young niece and nephew to visit the Holy Land — back in time. Ancient scrolls take the two kids away to many adventures. In Journey to Jericho, they not only witness history, but are a part of it as they become spies. They encounter Biblical figures such as Joshua and Rahab as they search for a message of God’s truth. I liked the way Thomas brings the story to a kid’s level adding adventure to the historical record. But Peter and Mary’s trip to the past is fraught with danger, and they are guided and protected by the angel Michael. There is also a man in black (definitely NOT Johnny Cash 😉 ) that they are warned to look out for. Satan is always on the scene seeking to thwart God’s plans. That is a good lesson for kids as well. But parents, you may want to read the book first in order to be ready for questions your child may have about the power Satan has in the world. The book opens up all kinds of discussion — life in ancient Israel, the struggles of God’s people, and the promises He always keeps. At the end of the book there is a helpful outline of the book of Joshua to guide the discussion back to God’s word.

All in all, I really liked Journey to Jericho. The book is a good choice for family reading time or for kids to practice their reading skills. Make sure to check out the other books in the series as well.

Recommended.

Audience: children ages 6-9.

(Thanks to Worthy Kids for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are mine alone.) show less

In the first adventure in the series, Peter and Mary find themselves witnesses to the creation of the world just as God is speaking it into existence. Can they unlock the mystery of the scrolls before they get trapped in history forever? Children will discover the answer as the two characters ride rhinos, meet the angel Michael, and talk to a certain snake in the Garden of Eden. Riveting text and engaging illustrations bring this beloved Bible story to riotous life.

My eleven-year-old has been enjoying these books since they came out, yes, he is above the age, but enjoyment has no age.
I think having the dog in the story is one of the things he really loves, as he tells me about Hank and what he is doing in the story.
For me I love the idea of my child reading bible stories, but written so he can enjoy the story all the while learning.
We have the dog, but also a young brother and sister, and while visiting their great uncle they have the wondrous show more adventures traveling back in time, all the while trying to solve the mystery of the scroll that they have in their possession, and I could hear mine trying to solve the puzzle ahead of time!

I received this book through the Publisher Worthy/Kids Ideals, and was not required to give a positive review. show less

Although this is becoming a very easy read for our ten-year-old he seemed to enjoy the book, and of course he is a dog lover so that added.
This is the third book in this series that he has read and enjoyed, and helps reinforce what he has been taught.
With this book, we are putting a child’s look at the plagues of Egypt and how the Jews were finally led out.
I love that I am able to have books that he enjoys, and that he is eager to read.
I received this book through Worthy/Kids/Ideals show more Publishing and was not required to give a positive review. show less