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.

Redwall: Redwall, Book 1 Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

age 9+

Based on 8 parent reviews

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
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

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.

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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