The Big Fish by M. J. Thomas

The Big Fish

Book 2

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
Peter, Mary, and Hank travel back to Jonah’s story, where a storm and giant fish await.
Themes
Biblical literacy and faith, Prayer in times of trouble, Time travel through biblical history
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 #2 The Big Fish is perfect for both new readers and current fans of the Hidden Scrolls books.

Continue reading

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 Big Fish is the second 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. Great Uncle Solomon takes Peter, Mary, and Hank on a train trip to investigate a new red X on their ancient map. It leads them to the sea, where they discover a new hidden scroll that takes them back in time, and they stowaway on a ship. When a huge storm comes up, they meet Jonah and end up being swallowed with him by a giant fish! It’s an adventure unlike any other as they journey to Nineveh, encounter the Enemy, and try to solve the secret of the scroll. The Big Fish: - Follows the events of Jonah: 1-3. - Reminds readers that, like Jonah, in times of trouble they can pray to God. - Is the second 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 gifts for readers who love The Magic Tree House and I Survived series.

Jonah and the Map

Peter, Mary, and Hank travel back to Jonah’s story, where a storm and giant fish await.

Come here for

  • A time-travel adventure following Jonah: 1–3
  • Illustrations throughout and a hidden-scroll mystery

Expect

  • A chapter-book adventure for emerging readers ages 6–9
  • A reminder that, like Jonah, children can pray to God in trouble

Where it sits

Christian Action & Adventure66%
Chapter Books53%
Time Travel Fiction40%

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 · Prayer in times of trouble · Time travel through biblical history
Reading lane
Christian Action & Adventure