The Shepherd's Stone

The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls #5

by M.J. Thomas, Graham Howells

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 series’ fifth installment, the time-traveling trio wind up in Bethlehem, where they quickly befriend a young David. When David brings food to the Israelite army, Peter and Mary go with him and witness the mighty taunts of the giant Goliath. As the clock runs out, Peter and Mary uncover a treacherous plot, help David prepare to face Goliath, and battle a mischievous and familiar enemy. Children will be on the edge of their seats as the larger-than-life story of David and Goliath hurtles to a close.

Genres: Childrens, Fiction, Faith, Chapter Books, Christian

128 pages, Paperback

Published December 11, 2018

About the author

Librarian 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.

Reviews

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I'm definitely ready for a break from this series because its starting to lose my interest. This book tells the story of David and Goliath, but I didn't feel like it went into nearly enough depth and it didn't hit home the points as hard as I wanted it to. The point is that David was small, young and average and yet he still defeated Goliath and I just don't feel like that was conveyed quite as much as it could've been. I liked how they showed David caring for 100 sheep and seeking out the one that was lost. Overall I feel like this book definitely provided a lot of conversation starters for the parents, but didn't make many explicit statements itself which is a little different than some of the others.

[Allison Gerrish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun read with my son! Very similar to Magic Tree House series, but with Bible stories kiddos enjoy.

[Marisa Maloney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another quick read aloud I did with the kids in a few days. We love this series.. #5 . Good to read and own

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite in the series so far.

[DúviAurvandil Ericsson e Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gripping, exciting, and encouraging courage.

[Kourtnie Neighbarger]

I think the book is great.

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8yo son could read these on his own, but he enjoys being read to (and I enjoy reading to him and discussing along the way!). Another great addition to the series! Only a couple more...

[Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good! Theologically accurate!

Has them focused on something else when David cuts off Goliath’s head, so that is implied when David raises Goliath’s sword.

Nitpick:
Page 59:
"Who will take care of the sheep while we go to the battlefield?" asked Mary.
"I thought you and Hank could," said David. “You did such a good job yesterday."
"What about Peter?" said Mary.
"He can come with me," said David.
"Why can't I go?" said Mary.
"Because you're a girl," said David, "and girls aren't allowed on the battlefield."

Why add that? That’s not biblical.

[Nyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5yr old daughter's favorite book in the series so far! She was so excited to read about David! She knew it was him before it even said! She knew even before I did! And I love how the back of the book has the relevant Bible scriptures that go along with the book. These books have really helped both me and my daughter to get more into learning the Bible stories, as this book really helps the characters come alive for us.

[Heidi Rader · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 5 yr old and I have been enjoying this series. This time she recognized the enemy almost immediately and we were able to figure out the scroll pretty easily. I really like the casual additions of semi-random Bible facts (Psalm 23 and Armor of GOD) and the conversations they start. Also really appreciate the key at the end, that tells us where In the Bible to find the story 💖

[Jacob & · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this one tonight! 10/10 Fan favorite! Great retelling of David's journey to fight Goliath! It doesn't mention the Gory outcome of that battle, but instead focusing on how God keeps us safe with his Armor! Must read from amust read series, "The secret of the Hidden Scrolls"

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, seeing the story of David and Goliath alongside Peter, Mary, and Hank. I enjoyed seeing them take care of the sheep, interact with David, his brothers, and be on the battlefield. Seeing them learn the Word of God for themselves is amazing, too. Excited to see where book six goes.

[Nay Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun, seeing the story of David and Goliath alongside Peter, Mary, and Hank. I enjoyed seeing them take care of the sheep, interact with David, his brothers, and be on the battlefield. Seeing them learn the Word of God for themselves is amazing, too. Excited to see where book six goes.

[Emily Wiet · Rating 5 out of 5]

my first grade students loved this book! I read it aloud to them and they love seeing the connections to the Bible story they already know about David and how the story continues for Peter, Mary, and Hank!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

My 8 year old son and I are really enjoying this series. I highly recommend them.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This might be my favorite in the series so far—not just because my girls love this story—but because of the emphasis of how Jesus is the better David and how the armor of God equips us to fight fear.

[Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

How they sold the last word is the secret of the hidden scrolls, and they where happy be back at great-uncle Solomon house.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read as our school read aloud. We love this series. So cute. I love the way that the Bible stories come to life in a magic treehouse twist.

[Cedric · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter and Mary go from their uncle Solomon's mansion because of these magical scrolls and they basically relive the story of David and Goliath. They meet David, and they meet King Saul!

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is adorable.

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

still enjoying this fun series

[Frans Kempe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spännande om David och Goliat

[Desiree · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 year old loved this

Our 7 year said this “was definitely his favorite and wished it was longer” he loved it a lot!! Thank you for these books!!!

[Melissa Bruns · Rating 4 out of 5]

The kids love these books. I can’t say they are my FAVORITE but they are good adventures with real life situations that are good to talk about different ways we can respond in those stations.

[Leah Hartzell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book with Edison before bed.
Quick and easy reads. My son loved these!