Begin with Squirreled Away
Book 1 explains how Michael finds Merle and Pearl and sets up the friendships behind every later adventure.
Book Series · 12 Books
The Dead Sea Squirrels Books
In order from Squirreled Away to BabbleLand Breakout.
A funny Christian chapter-book series about two ancient squirrels who wake up in modern Tennessee and help a boy face everyday problems with courage and faith.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Dead Sea Squirrels Books
Read the 12 books in publication order, beginning with Squirreled Away. The adventures build on Michael's discovery of Merle and Pearl, and later trips and rescues make more sense once their friendships are established.
Sources: Tyndale's official Dead Sea Squirrels series page, Tyndale's complete-series boxed set.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The comedy and adventure are built around explicitly Christian lessons, Bible stories, prayer, forgiveness, and making wise choices. The squirrels are technically preserved ancient animals, but the tone is playful rather than frightening. Expect cartoonish danger, kidnappings, chases, and family or school worries, with reassuring resolutions.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$759
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019
Squirreled Away
By Mike Nawrocki, Luke Séguin-Magee (Illustrator)
Two friends get lost in a cave in the Middle East while on a summer trip with one of their dads, a college professor studying ancient civilizations.
128 pages· 6,487 words· Est. 1 hour read
$7.99Save 5%
Paperback
Summary: Ten-year-old Michael stumbles upon ancient squirrels in a Dead Sea cave. Sneaking them home in his backpack, he unwittingly sets off a series of hilarious and mysterious events. What secrets do these petrified creatures hold, and how will they change Michael's life? Dive into a world of fun, friendship, and unexpected lessons as Michael navigates the chaos of his unusual discovery.
In reading order
The Dead Sea Squirrels Series
12 books · Published 2019–2024
#1
Sale price
$759
Squirreled Away
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019
Two friends get lost in a cave in the Middle East while on a summer trip with one of their dads, a college professor studying ancient civilizations.
#2
Sale price
$759
Boy Meets Squirrels
Chapter Book · Ages 7–10 · 2019
A boy discovers two ancient squirrels who have been frozen in time for nearly 2,000 years and must navigate the challenges of modern life with their help.
#3
Sale price
$759
Nutty Study Buddies
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019
A group of friends help two ancient squirrels adjust to life in the 21st century
#4
Sale price
$759
Squirrelnapped!
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2019
A squirrel is snatched, and Michael must unite friends to rescue her.
#5
Sale price
$759
Tree-mendous Trouble
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2020
Ancient squirrels face a fluffy nemesis in a modern world.
#6
Sale price
$759
Whirly Squirrelies
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2020
Homework, video games, and drones clash in a battle for attention.
#7
Sale price
$759
Merle of Nazareth
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021
Squirrels kidnapped to Israel. Can kids rescue them before it's too late?
#8
Sale price
$759
A Dusty Donkey Detour
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021
Squirrels on a wild ride with a talking donkey. Can they escape?
#9
Sale price
$759
Jingle Squirrels
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2021
Squirrels trapped in Israel; a quirky rescue mission unfolds.
#10
Sale price
$759
Risky River Rescue
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2022
A search for Merle uncovers a zoo of talking animals and a daring escape.
#11
Sale price
$759
A Twisty-Turny Journey
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2023
Separated friends race through dangers to reunite and stop an evil plan.
#12
Sale price
$759
BabbleLand Breakout
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2024
Can Merle and Pearl rescue the Gomezes from a Bible-themed park without getting caught?
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Dead Sea Squirrels series?
There are 12 books in the Dead Sea Squirrels series. It began with Squirreled Away in 2019, and the newest book, BabbleLand Breakout, was published in 2024.
What order should you read the Dead Sea Squirrels books in?
Start with Squirreled Away and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #12.
What ages are the Dead Sea Squirrels books best for?
The series is best for ages 6–10, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
Which Dead Sea Squirrels book is the longest?
BabbleLand Breakout (Book #12) is the longest book in the series at 9,400 words (176 pages).
Which Dead Sea Squirrels book is the shortest?
Squirreled Away (Book #1) is the shortest at 6,487 words (128 pages).
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring The Dead Sea Squirrels to life.
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