Is this book part of a larger series?

Yes, it is the first book in The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls series. There are over a dozen books that cover various biblical events from the Exodus to the life of Jesus.

What is the reading level compared to other popular books?

It is very similar to Magic Tree House. If your child can handle Jack and Annie's adventures, they will have no trouble with Peter and Mary.

Does the book take creative liberties with the Bible story?

It adds fictional characters (the kids and their dog) and some imaginative details (like riding rhinos), but it stays faithful to the core narrative of Genesis. It is clearly presented as a fictional 'what if' adventure.

Are there illustrations?

Yes, there are black-and-white illustrations throughout the book that help break up the text and provide visual context for emerging readers.

The Beginning – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Beginning

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2019Children's stories

91%

WISE Score

A brother, a sister, and their dog Hank get sucked into a magic scroll to witness the literal first week of existence, rhinos and talking snakes included.

The Beginning

book

2019, Children's stories

91%

WISE Score

A brother, a sister, and their dog Hank get sucked into a magic scroll to witness the literal first week of existence, rhinos and talking snakes included.

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Where to Read

Amazon

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Screenwise Verdict

This is basically Magic Tree House for the Sunday School set. It is fast, it is clean, and it handles the 'Creation' story with enough adventure to keep a 7-year-old turning the pages without feeling like they are sitting through a lecture.

For families who want to build biblical literacy while also building reading stamina, this series is a slam dunk. It does not reinvent the wheel, but it executes the 'kids go back in time' formula with a specific faith-based intentionality that is hard to find in mainstream titles.

Age Fit

Best for 6 to 9-year-olds. It is an 'emerging reader' title, so it is designed for kids who are starting to read independently but still benefit from shorter chapters and frequent illustrations.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It is a faith-based adventure that models sibling cooperation and focuses on foundational biblical stories without being preachy or heavy-handed.

Imaginative

The 'magic scroll' time-travel mechanic is a familiar trope, but the specific integration of kids interacting with the Garden of Eden and riding rhinos adds a fresh layer of wonder.

Safe

100

As a Christian chapter book for emerging readers, the content is exceptionally safe. There is zero objectionable language, violence, or mature themes.

Enriching

Excellent for building biblical literacy and vocabulary. It serves as a strong bridge for kids moving from picture books to independent chapter book reading.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fast-paced chapters that keep kids who are just starting chapter books from zoning out or getting frustrated.
Biblical literacy baked into an adventure story rather than a dry retelling, making the stories feel 'alive' and interactive.
Accessible reading level that perfectly bridges the gap for kids who have outgrown 'Step into Reading' but aren't ready for middle-grade novels yet.

⚠

What to Watch For

The talking snake in the Garden of Eden provides the main source of tension and moral conflict, though it's handled gently.
Mild peril regarding the kids being 'trapped in history' if they don't solve the scroll's mystery in time, which might be a tiny bit stressful for very sensitive kids.

Conversation Starters

"If you could ride any animal in the Garden of Eden, which one would it be?"
"Why do you think the snake was trying to trick Peter and Mary?"
"What would you do if you found a scroll that could take you back in time?"
"Which part of the creation of the world was the most surprising to see in the book?"

Deep Dive

The Literacy Bridge

One of the toughest hurdles for young readers is the jump from picture books to text-heavy chapter books. The Beginning addresses this by keeping the prose punchy and the stakes immediate. It utilizes the 'Reading Rope' framework by building language comprehension through familiar biblical narratives while keeping the decoding load manageable for a second grader.

Magic Tree House Vibes

The comparison to Mary Pope Osborne’s iconic series is unavoidable. You have the sibling duo (Peter and Mary), the animal sidekick (Hank the dog), and the magical transportation device (the scrolls). It works because that formula is proven. Kids love the 'secret mission' aspect, and the added layer of biblical history gives parents a way to discuss faith in a context that feels like play rather than homework.

Co-Reading Potential

While it is built for emerging readers to tackle solo, it is a great choice for a 'read-aloud' at bedtime. The chapters usually end on a hook that makes a kid ask for 'just one more,' which is the exact behavior you want to see when you are trying to foster a love of books. If your kid is into the Imagination Station series or Magic Tree House, this is the natural next step for a faith-focused household.

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