Parents' Guide to

Redwall: Redwall, Book 1

By Jennifer Docherty, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Exciting tale promotes peace in the face of war.

Book Brian Jacques Fantasy 1986
Redwall: Redwall, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 9+

Based on 8 parent reviews

Patricia M.
Patricia M. Parent
January 28, 2018
age 9+

Imagination, wonder quality read

The Redwall series are enduring classics. Years ago, my oldest son (now 23) devoured them.... and now my younger son (10) is doing the same- and I am thankful for such good stories... o remember reading somewhere that Jacques began writing these after volunteering to read to blind children and finding the books available too filled with angst and not enough magic.... I can’t agree more. These books are filled with imagination and intrigue. The vocabulary is challenging and the descriptions are rich. The characters are entertaining and the story lines creative. Although they characters battle- they strive for a peaceful society so violence isn’t glamorized. As soon as my son finishes 1, he picks up another. They can be read in virtually any order. With 20+ books he will be busy reading for awhile!

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Joel C.
Joel C. Parent of 5-year-old
February 16, 2017
age 10+

Continuing your child's love of reading.

This book was recommended to me by my grade school librarian. Brian Jacques books were an essential part of my reading. As an adult I still read every day and it's authors like Brian Jacques that are responsible . Yes this book is violent and the reading can be challenging, but if your kid loves reading and is getting to the stage where the usual books are boring them, this is a great book to keep them interested.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
See all 8 parent reviews

What's the Story?

The Abbey of Redwall, a haven of peace, is under attack from a band of barbarous rats. How will a kingdom of innocent woodland creatures fend off such experienced villains? The answer lies in an ancient tapestry, a long-forgotten sword, and a young mouse who must rise to his destiny. Rich prose draws readers into an enchanting and humorous fantasy.

The legend of Redwall begins as Abbot Mortimer, leader of a monastery of mice, celebrates his Golden Jubilee, and a clumsy young novice, Matthias, struggles to find his place within Redwall Abbey. While escorting some woodland creatures home after the celebrations, Matthias and his companions are forced off the road by a rabble of rats whose leader, they later discover, is none other than the infamous Cluny the Scourge. \

\ This legendary rat, whose reputation for cruelty terrifies the inhabitants of Redwall and the surrounding countryside, declares war on the Abbey when the animals refuse to surrender to him. As the woodland creatures prepare for war, Matthias and his old friend, Methusaleh, begin a desperate quest for the magical sword of Martin the Warrior, the famed defender of Redwall. The sword is their only hope in fending off Cluny the Scourge, but they must find it before time runs out!

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (8):
Kids say (21):

Preteens, teens, and adults with a penchant for fantasy and legends are drawn into this magical animal kingdom where unlikely heroes face seemingly insurmountable odds. In fact, those audiences have made this series a runaway hit. Opening passages rich in poetry bring the Abbey of Redwall vividly to life. In the opening chapter an atmosphere of calm and comfort seems to pervade the rustic town. Within the very next chapter, however, the mood quickly changes, and the pace of the novel quickens as Cluny the Scourge and his army of rats march menacingly toward the Abbey. Though a war is at the center of the novel, the characters are fighting in self-defense and it is clear that their lives are at stake. As the mice and their friends struggle to defend the Abbey, they see the importance of cooperation and of respecting others.

Matthias, in his quest for the sword, must face traditional enemies of mice -- sparrows, a cat, and an owl. Only by treating these creatures with respect can he gain the aid he and his friends so desperately need. Adding to readers' enjoyment are the escapades of comical characters like the whimsical military hare or the quarrelling band of shrews, which often punctuate the suspense.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the book's unique use of language and how it serves to set the tone of the story.

  • Is this book set in a fantastical place, or a realistic one that could actually exist?

  • Were there any new vocabulary words that you learned while reading the book? What were they -- and do you remember what they mean?

  • What other books have you read that have small but mighty heroes?

Book Details

  • Author: Brian Jacques
  • Genre: Fantasy
  • Book type: Fiction
  • Publisher: Penguin Group
  • Publication date: January 1, 1986
  • Publisher's recommended age(s): 9 - 12
  • Number of pages: 333
  • Last updated: July 12, 2017

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