The Brave Queen by M. J. Thomas

The Brave Queen

Book 1

M. J. Thomas

Zonderkidz · Print & ebook · February 3, 2026

Calling all explorers of God’s great stories!

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Who it’s for
Emerging readers ages 6–9 who enjoy illustrated chapter books
Themes
Biblical literacy and faith, God's plan for people's lives, The story of Queen Esther
Pacing
Fast

About this book

Calling all explorers of God’s great stories! Join Peter, Mary, and their dog, Hank, in a new series of adventures from M. J. Thomas, author of the beloved The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series, as they follow an ancient map to travel back in time to key moments in Biblical history. The Mystery of the Ancient Map: Book #1 The Brave Queen is the perfect starting point for both new readers and current fans of the Hidden Scrolls books.

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Through fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat action, The Mystery of the Ancient Map books teach children Biblical literacy and how to understand and appreciate God and his word through the stories of the Bible. The Brave Queen is the first book in the new Mystery of the Ancient Map series that expands the world of The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls, but it can be thoroughly enjoyed by readers not familiar with Peter, Mary, and Hank’s previous adventures. Peter and Mary are getting ready for a new school year after a summer of time travelling with Great Uncle Solomon’s hidden scrolls, but life seems very boring after all their adventures. Then they get an invitation to go to Israel where Great Uncle Solomon is getting a Lifetime Achievement Award in Archaeology. During Great Uncle Solomon’s acceptance speech, a mysterious woman slips Peter an ancient map with red Xs marking different locations. When they investigate the map, the kids discover a new hidden scroll that takes them to Persia, back to the time of Queen Esther, where they meet Mordecai, the evil Haman, and Queen Esther, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. The Brave Queen: - Follows the events of Esther: 1-10. - Reminds readers that, like Esther, God has a plan for their lives. - Is the first book in a chapter book series perfect for emerging readers ages 6-9. - Includes illustrations throughout, bringing all the action and adventure to life. - Great gift for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.

Who it’s for

  • Emerging readers ages 6–9 who enjoy illustrated chapter books
  • Children interested in biblical stories and time-travel adventures

Where it sits

Christian Action & Adventure52%
Chapter Books42%
Time Travel Fiction37%

Percentages are BookFrontier’s reading of the book.

Publisher categories

  • Christian Action & Adventure
  • Christian Early Readers
  • Chapter Books
  • Time Travel Fiction
Authors
M. J. Thomas
Publisher
Zonderkidz
Published
February 3, 2026
Format
Print & ebook
Theme
Biblical literacy and faith · God's plan for people's lives · The story of Queen Esther
Reading lane
Christian Action & Adventure