The Brave Queen: Book 1 (Paperback or Softback)

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 (over 1 million copies sold!), as they follow an ancient map to travel back in time to key moments in Biblical history.

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.

Mike Thomas grew up in Florida playing sports and riding his bike to the library and an arcade named the Cosmic Cowboy. He graduated from Liberty University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Bible Studies. When his son Peter was nine years old, Mike went searching for books that would teach Peter about the Bible in a fun, imaginative way. Finding none, he decided to write his own series. Mike lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; sons Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.

Alan Brown is a freelance artist who started out as a storyboard artist for a London agency before going back to his roots in the North East to pursue a career in graphic design. As much as he loved working in design for large blue chip clients, Alan’s love has always been illustration. Alan has be fortunate to work on a variety of jobs including Ben 10 Omniverse graphic novels for Viz Media, as well as children’s book illustrations for the likes of HarperCollins and Watts. He has a keen interest in the comic book world and is at home working on bold graphic pieces and strip work. Alan works from an attic studio along with his trusty side kick, Ollie the miniature schnauzer (miniature in size, giant in personality and appetite), and his two sons Wilf and Teddy.