Redwall: Redwall, Book 1
Common Sense says
- Brian Jacques
- Fantasy
- 1986
Parents say
Kids say
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Get it now on
Searching for streaming and purchasing options ...
Did this review miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive, diverse representations in books, TV shows, and movies. Want to help us help them? Suggest a diversity update
Suggest an update Redwall: Redwall, Book 1
A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is an exciting and well-told tale, but sophisticated language might deter younger or less experienced readers. Challenging vocabulary and rich, descriptive passages will help readers to improve their language skills. Though characters go to war, and there are plenty of deaths, including sad ones of secondary characters, the inherent value of a peaceful existence is promoted.
Stay up to date on new reviews.
User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Imagination, wonder quality read
Continuing your child's love of reading.
Great book!
Action and Humor
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?
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
Our editors recommend
For kids who love mouse tales and adventures
Top advice and articles
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.