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The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls #3
The Great Escape
The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series follows siblings Peter and Mary and their dog, Hank, as they discover ancient scrolls that transport them back to key moments in biblical history.
In The Great Escape, Peter, Mary, and Hank journey to the pyramid-studded desert of ancient Egypt. When the trio become friends with Pharaoh’s daughter, they witness first-hand as Moses petitions Pharaoh for the Israelites’ freedom. Plagues wreak havoc as the group races to decode the scroll, gets chased by a panther, and battles Pharaoh’s cunning advisor, the Great Magician. Young readers will anxiously follow along as Peter and Mary’s thrilling adventures bring the biblical story of Exodus to life.
In The Great Escape, Peter, Mary, and Hank journey to the pyramid-studded desert of ancient Egypt. When the trio become friends with Pharaoh’s daughter, they witness first-hand as Moses petitions Pharaoh for the Israelites’ freedom. Plagues wreak havoc as the group races to decode the scroll, gets chased by a panther, and battles Pharaoh’s cunning advisor, the Great Magician. Young readers will anxiously follow along as Peter and Mary’s thrilling adventures bring the biblical story of Exodus to life.
128 pages, Paperback
Published April 3, 2018
37 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
About the author
M.J. Thomas
16 books46 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
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 Thomas lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; two sons, Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.
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 Thomas lives in Tennessee with his wife, Lori; two sons, Payton and Peter; and their dog, Hank.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 27, 2018
This book was super cute. Siblings Peter and Mary travel in time for the third time. This time they go to Egypt at the time of the Exodus. They are given a certain amount of time to figure out the meaning of the scroll and return home, otherwise they'll be stuck forever. It reminded me of several of the Imagination Station books in the Adventures of Odyssey series.
It's targeted at 6-9 year olds, and my best friend's 7 year read it and loved it.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
It's targeted at 6-9 year olds, and my best friend's 7 year read it and loved it.
I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher to review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2023
This was a really interesting one! The kids get thrown into Ancient Egypt and they make friends with Pharaoh's daughter, not knowing that he was one of the bad guys. We see all the plagues come and they meet Aaron and Moses from the outside and they witness the eventual exodus. It was interesting to see the whole thing from a kid's perspective. I also thought its interesting how Satan manifests in each book. In this one he is the Great Magician with a black panther.
March 28, 2018
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 Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.
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 Publishing and was not required to give a positive review.
April 28, 2018
This book moves us much more strongly into the known world which both makes it exciting, but also sets the standard higher. As always, Thomas keeps the tone perfect pitch for his early reader audience, throwing in plenty of cliffhangers to keep them turning to the next page. By the end of the story your child will have a real sense of what it would have been like to live through the Ten Plagues.
As a story, it’s worth having as part of the Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series but doesn’t stand as well on its own as the first two. It does shine in two areas, introducing us to the princess of Egypt and setting up how scary it would have been for a boy to trust God’s protection on Passover night.
I really appreciated that through the princess we come to care for the Egyptian people. They weren’t all monsters who deserved every miserable moment more than we would. Even the Pharaoh is depicted as strongly influenced by Satan and therefore comes across as a more complex villain.
Peter’s feelings when it was coming time for the firstborn sons to die took me back to my own childhood, wondering what would have happened to my brother if we had lived back then. The emotions and faith required for that evening come through beautifully.
These two reasons alone make it worth adding to your family’s collection.
I wish Thomas had developed the characters of Mary and Peter more. Naturally they were introduced two books before and it’s not as easy to add depth, but a little character arc to show them maturing, facing new internal struggles (excepting Peter’s private need for faith near the end), and actively working through their sibling differences would have added sparkle and meaning.
The best developed character in the story is the princess. We are sad for Egypt, but end up thrilled that she will become Pharaoh, recognizing she will handle the job fairly. But, we don’t even find out she has a brother until hearing he has died.
Then, there’s the open pyramid that introduces the adventure. I was hoping for a moment of description of the glistening original covering of the Great Pyramids, but instead we have the kids go straight from our time to exploring an open passageway into the treasure chamber of a generic pyramid. What? Those tombs were never left exposed for all and sundry to drop by and explore. They wouldn’t have held their treasures for a week with that kind of treatment.
We do find out Satan’s sidekick (Why a cat? Why would he want a companion at all?) has been hanging out with the pyramid’s treasure and have an exciting escape from it. But what was the point of that whole scene besides tying the past with the present by encountering the same sarcophagus in both?
All in all, this book is worth having as part of the series, but I do pray Thomas steps up his storytelling for the next books so this doesn’t end up being a near-miss in Christian children’s literature and instead takes its place as a must-have for families.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. They didn’t tell me what to say.
As a story, it’s worth having as part of the Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series but doesn’t stand as well on its own as the first two. It does shine in two areas, introducing us to the princess of Egypt and setting up how scary it would have been for a boy to trust God’s protection on Passover night.
I really appreciated that through the princess we come to care for the Egyptian people. They weren’t all monsters who deserved every miserable moment more than we would. Even the Pharaoh is depicted as strongly influenced by Satan and therefore comes across as a more complex villain.
Peter’s feelings when it was coming time for the firstborn sons to die took me back to my own childhood, wondering what would have happened to my brother if we had lived back then. The emotions and faith required for that evening come through beautifully.
These two reasons alone make it worth adding to your family’s collection.
I wish Thomas had developed the characters of Mary and Peter more. Naturally they were introduced two books before and it’s not as easy to add depth, but a little character arc to show them maturing, facing new internal struggles (excepting Peter’s private need for faith near the end), and actively working through their sibling differences would have added sparkle and meaning.
The best developed character in the story is the princess. We are sad for Egypt, but end up thrilled that she will become Pharaoh, recognizing she will handle the job fairly. But, we don’t even find out she has a brother until hearing he has died.
Then, there’s the open pyramid that introduces the adventure. I was hoping for a moment of description of the glistening original covering of the Great Pyramids, but instead we have the kids go straight from our time to exploring an open passageway into the treasure chamber of a generic pyramid. What? Those tombs were never left exposed for all and sundry to drop by and explore. They wouldn’t have held their treasures for a week with that kind of treatment.
We do find out Satan’s sidekick (Why a cat? Why would he want a companion at all?) has been hanging out with the pyramid’s treasure and have an exciting escape from it. But what was the point of that whole scene besides tying the past with the present by encountering the same sarcophagus in both?
All in all, this book is worth having as part of the series, but I do pray Thomas steps up his storytelling for the next books so this doesn’t end up being a near-miss in Christian children’s literature and instead takes its place as a must-have for families.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my review. They didn’t tell me what to say.
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March 3, 2025My little sister got these for her b-day/Christmas? It is kinda a Christian take on the magic tree house.
AAAAHHHHH. I'm behind on the reading challenge!
AAAAHHHHH. I'm behind on the reading challenge!
April 3, 2018
Peter and Mary are staying with their Uncle Solomon for the Summer, and already they have gone on some pretty amazing adventures. The continue their mission to unlock the secret of the scrolls, this time travelling to Ancient Egypt to witness the Exodus.
They befriend and Egyptian princess, Shephara, who shows them the life of an Egyptian royal. Meanwhile, something big is happening, Israelites Aaron and Moses come before Pharaoh showing great wonders and asking for the freedom of their people. Mary and Peter have 14 days to complete their mission or be stuck in Ancient Egypt forever.
The third adventure of Mary, Peter, and beloved dog Hank, as they go on missions to recover the messages of the hidden scrolls. Peter and Mary work together with the help of archangel Michael, and faithful Hank.
A fast paced read with great messages of faith. The Egyptians worshipped many gods, and treated the Israelites terribly, Peter and Mary stand for what is right as they search for clues. Great moments of action and good natured humor as well.
Overall this is a fantastic book series for chapter book readers, fast paced adventure with illustrations every few pages, with well spaced and sized print. It is very hard to find quality chapter books for young eager reader, let alone ones with a great biblically based storyline and good themes of right and wrong, with GOd and his word at the center, but this book series definitely helps to fill that gap. I serve at my church with the church library, and this series has already been very popular in the short time that it has been available, so I am pleased that more books are being released in this great series. Perfect for young readers!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
They befriend and Egyptian princess, Shephara, who shows them the life of an Egyptian royal. Meanwhile, something big is happening, Israelites Aaron and Moses come before Pharaoh showing great wonders and asking for the freedom of their people. Mary and Peter have 14 days to complete their mission or be stuck in Ancient Egypt forever.
The third adventure of Mary, Peter, and beloved dog Hank, as they go on missions to recover the messages of the hidden scrolls. Peter and Mary work together with the help of archangel Michael, and faithful Hank.
A fast paced read with great messages of faith. The Egyptians worshipped many gods, and treated the Israelites terribly, Peter and Mary stand for what is right as they search for clues. Great moments of action and good natured humor as well.
Overall this is a fantastic book series for chapter book readers, fast paced adventure with illustrations every few pages, with well spaced and sized print. It is very hard to find quality chapter books for young eager reader, let alone ones with a great biblically based storyline and good themes of right and wrong, with GOd and his word at the center, but this book series definitely helps to fill that gap. I serve at my church with the church library, and this series has already been very popular in the short time that it has been available, so I am pleased that more books are being released in this great series. Perfect for young readers!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and testimonials in Advertising."
May 3, 2018
Follow Peter, Mary, and Hank in a blast to the past to the time of Moses and the Plagues of Egypt. Having already survived two adventures in the magical scrolls, this duo with their pet dog dive into a third mysterious scroll with fourteen days to solve the puzzle. Note: while the events in this book take place in Torah, there are themes and references to characters unique to Christian theology. This book is a great for Christian audiences but not non-Christian ones.
Much like the “Chronicles of Narnia,” the author sets out to engage youth with stories that come to life. Recommended for ages six to nine, I can say my nine-year-old would easily have a handle on the book while my six-year-old would definitely need assistance. Overall, the material is a fun story and enjoyable, minus the issues already addressed in this review.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
Much like the “Chronicles of Narnia,” the author sets out to engage youth with stories that come to life. Recommended for ages six to nine, I can say my nine-year-old would easily have a handle on the book while my six-year-old would definitely need assistance. Overall, the material is a fun story and enjoyable, minus the issues already addressed in this review.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2018
This is the third book in this series and they just keep getting better. Peter, Mary and their dog Hank travel through time to learn about what happened during biblical times. This one they learn about Moses. They meet new friends and learn valuable lessons. I believe young children ages 6-9 would really enjoy these stories. I received a copy of this book frost m Worthykids for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.
April 6, 2018
This book is targeted to 6-9 year olds. This is a perfect age group for it. My 6 year old loved this book. This is the 3rd book in the series. We have not read the first two books in the series, and we had no problem following along. I loved the characters, my 6 year old loved the storyline. He was very excited to keep reading.
I received a copy of this book through Worthy Publishing, all thoughts are my own.
I received a copy of this book through Worthy Publishing, all thoughts are my own.
October 29, 2025
Exciting, theologically accurate, age appropriate!
It’s about the Israelite slaves exodus from Egypt.
Here is the explanation of slavery:
Page 32:
“My people are Israelites, and I'm named after my great-great-great-grandfather. He was a ruler here, but that was four hundred years ago." He lowered his head again. "Now we are slaves."
Peter felt awkward. He had never met a slave before. "Is it awful being a slave?"
Joseph slowly nodded his head. "I never get…”
Page 33:
“…to do anything I want to do. All I do is work."
"Where are your parents?" said Peter.
"They are slaves too," said Joseph. "They have to work even harder than I do." He walked over to the window and pointed across the river. "They work all day in the hot sun making bricks."
Peter felt bad for Joseph and his family. "That sounds terrible. Can't anybody help you?"
"No," said Joseph. "There is no one to help us. We just want to be free."
It’s about the Israelite slaves exodus from Egypt.
Here is the explanation of slavery:
Page 32:
“My people are Israelites, and I'm named after my great-great-great-grandfather. He was a ruler here, but that was four hundred years ago." He lowered his head again. "Now we are slaves."
Peter felt awkward. He had never met a slave before. "Is it awful being a slave?"
Joseph slowly nodded his head. "I never get…”
Page 33:
“…to do anything I want to do. All I do is work."
"Where are your parents?" said Peter.
"They are slaves too," said Joseph. "They have to work even harder than I do." He walked over to the window and pointed across the river. "They work all day in the hot sun making bricks."
Peter felt bad for Joseph and his family. "That sounds terrible. Can't anybody help you?"
"No," said Joseph. "There is no one to help us. We just want to be free."
October 25, 2023
"The Great Escape" by M.J. Thomas was our latest addition to homeschooling adventures, and it was an interesting ride. We used it for our read-aloud sessions, and my 8-year-old couldn't get enough of it. The story of Moses, the plagues of Egypt, and the Israelites' exodus was presented in a way that felt just right for her age. There's a hint of the "Magic Treehouse" charm that added an extra layer of fun.
However, it's important to note that this book is definitely on the young side. It was like serving PB&J for dinner when the older kids are used to more complex literary meals. It was a speedy read, and while my youngest may continue with the series solo, I don't see us using more of these for homeschooling with the older ones. But hey, it was a good choice for some easy breezy reading sessions with the littlest member of the crew.
However, it's important to note that this book is definitely on the young side. It was like serving PB&J for dinner when the older kids are used to more complex literary meals. It was a speedy read, and while my youngest may continue with the series solo, I don't see us using more of these for homeschooling with the older ones. But hey, it was a good choice for some easy breezy reading sessions with the littlest member of the crew.
July 18, 2023
It’s a great series for kids. I’ve been reading to my 5 & 7 year old boys every night and they love these books! Every chapter is a cliff hanger so they repeatedly say, “one more pleaaaaase!” And my 7 year old is often pondering on what we read and asks a lot of questions. He asks me all throughout the day to read to him and it’s sparking a love of reading in him. I love that’s it’s an adventure and different point of view to these awe-filled Bible stories.
July 28, 2025
My son really loved reading this with me before bed! The previous two books he had no issue keeping track of it with the Bible, or remembering who Satan was. This one was trickier for him. He really enjoyed it and wasn’t able to predict what happened next due to being less familiar with the exodus. He’s ready for book 4!
May 28, 2020
The author definitely took some liberty with the storyline of Moses and the 10 Plagues here, but the girls really loved the Egyptian elements and culture descriptions which helped the events become real. The description of the blood of the lamb covering the Israelites was beautiful.
December 29, 2021
My 7yo son and I are really enjoying this series. It reminds me of the show Superbook, where kids are transported into a Bible story. I like the way it makes me, as an adult, think of a familiar Bible story from different angles.
February 22, 2024
Just finished reading "The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls: Book 3 - The Great Excape" this one followed the events of the Exodus. Kids loved this one!! This book had a slightbit of pacing issuesespeciallywhen it came to the plagues. But it is still a must read for the kids!! 10/10 rating!
February 18, 2025
It's an excellent book for a family read. It is an 8-12 age range book and does a great job making the Bible enjoyable. The storyline is excellent. I read it to my grandkids, and they all loved the entire series.
February 26, 2019
Excellent biblical fiction for children! My son couldn't put it down!
March 9, 2020
I learned that God is Powerful and will let you free. I loved it! Some day, I want to see Egypt.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2020
Good to read as a family at the table after dinner.
April 6, 2021
Really annoying habit of ending each chapter right in the middle of the action. This is not a weekly TV show.
August 6, 2021
My children and I listened to this on audio book and loved it!
March 7, 2022
Read this to my 5 year old and he LoVES these!
October 20, 2022
Love this series
January 1, 2023
I liked it when they went into the pyramid.
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September 20, 2023Love it
March 23, 2024
These are adorable.
March 26, 2024
It was really creepy and disgusting because there was frogs and pus.
August 21, 2024
fun series for kids
November 4, 2024
My youngest loves these the most, frequently declaring the parts of the stories that she recognizes from the Bible. My oldest enjoys listening to them as well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews