The Redwall Series!

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Welcome to the World of Brian Jacques. Welcome to the World of...REDWALL!

Brian Jacques definitely started an exciting series when he published his first book, "Redwall". The book was a great tale of a horde of rats attacking a large abbey for animals, and a young mouse's rise to Warrior of Redwall Abbey (see below in the "Summaries" sections).


This lens contains summaries of many of the books as well as suggestions for stuffed animals to represent the characters from the books which add realism to reenacting the stories.

Summaries: Martin the Warrior 

The 1st Redwall Book in Chronological Order that I've Read! ;)

Martin the WarriorA young, strongly built mouse is being held captive as a slave of the ruthless stoat, Badrang. This slave, named Martin, is being used to help build part of a stronghold called Marshank for the horde leader. He is often whipped or flogged for misbehaving during his long, cruel working hours. Even so, on witnessing similar mistreatment of an elderly squirrel is more than enough for him to bear. Martin ferociously attacks the captain of the guard, who goes by the name Hisk, and attempts to strangle him to death with his own whip. Unfortunately, Gurrad, a soldier of Badrang, is close, and quickly blows an alarm on his bone whistle. The nearest six guards come to Hisk's rescue, beating the young mouse with their spear handles. As soon as word of this outrage on one of his guards comes to Badrang, he has the rebellious mouse brought before him.

After interrogating the slave, Badrang commands that he is to be tied up between two poles on the highest point of Marshank, to be eaten by the birds during the night, and to serve as a warning during the day. And so Martin was bound to two poles upon the rooftop, expected to be long dead by the dawn.

The mouse becomes feverish, and cries aloud how Badrang captured him when he was hardly more than a child. He screams at the top of his lungs how Badrang killed his grandmother, and he tells of how he had taken the sword which his father had given him.

Far below, a youthful female mouse named Rose, and a slightly older mole called Grumm heard Martin's outburst. They called up to him, and asked of the other slaves there. Rose asked if there was another mouse by the name of Brome in Marshank. Brome was her younger brother, who had been wandering aimlessly, and was captured by Badrang. Little did they know young Brome was held in a prison pit far below Marshank.....

From this point, Martin's heroic epic tale begins.

Redwall Books 

Books you can't live without!

The Redwall series is an exciting bunch of tales of mice, otters and other creatures who usually go on an interesting quest to defeat another creature who is mislead or in some cases simply evil by nature.

The good always seems to win over the evil so don't worry. ;)

Summaries: Mossflower 

The 2nd Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Mossflower

Mossflower is a piece of the story of Martin the Warrior. In this book, Martin is a lone, wandering warrior, with no belongings, save a rusty sword strapped to his back. When he enters Mossflower Country, he is quickly captured by Verdauga, King of the Thousand Eyes, a wildcat who rules over Kotir, his fortress, and all it's surrounding land.

Verdauga is deeply sick and is near dying, so he is making the decision of whom he will entrust his kingdom to: his sensible son, Gingivere, or his ruthless daughter, Tsarmina. Martin is taken to the King, as sick as he is, to be interrogated as to why he was trespassing on their land. Gingivere demands that Martin be given his chance to speak, and be given a fair trial. Then Martin explains that he was not aware that it was Verdauga's land he was walking on, and so asks to be released. Gingivere is about to do this, but Tsarmina snaps his rusty blade in half, and has him locked in the dungeons.

Map of MossflowerFortunata, Verdauga's healer, has been influenced by Tsarmina, bribed to poison him so that she, herself, can take control of Kotir. After all, the old fool has been too kind to the worthless wretches that live in Mossflower Country.

Gonff, a young and well-rounded mousethief, has just looted Kotir of many of it's foods. Gonff leaves Kotir unnoticed, to enjoy his meal in peace in the grasslands. After eating, Gonff lies down to relax in an open plain, and finds himself day-dreaming. He gazes up at the sky happily, but soon realizes that he is not alone. Before he can get up, he finds himself looking up into the eyes of two weasel soldiers on routine patrol. Gonff is taken to Kotir to be held prisoner in the dark, damp dungeons. He finds himself sharing a cell with a strange mouse, of about the same age as himself. And so Martin and Gonff meet.

The two cell-mates quickly come to friendly terms with one another and begin planning their escape from Kotir. The plan is completed successfully, and the two soon find themselves just outside the Kotir boundaries. The anger burning in Martin's heart is not easily forgotten. Tsarmina had beaten Martin mercilessly when she and her brother were fighting over how Martin should have been dealt with. And so, Martin decides to raise an army to end the cruelty of Tsarmina...

Summaries: The Legend of Luke 

The The 3rd Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Luke

Only a few seasons have passed since the events of Mossflower. Plans drawn up during those terrible times are now being acted upon. Plans for a wonderful safe place where all can live in harmony. The woodlanders are busy building a new home. Everyone is helping. Their haven will be an Abbey, an Abbey known as Redwall.

Creatures from far and wide have been drawn to this community. Among them is a traveler from the north. She is Trimp the Rover, a young hedgehog maid. As the workers sing songs, using the rhythm to bring together their efforts of pulling and lifting, Trimp joins them. She shares a half-remembered ballad recounting the adventures of a brave warrior mouse. His name? Luke.

The Legend of Luke

Martin, a warrior mouse now in his middle seasons, is stunned to hear this song of his long lost father. He wishes to know more. But the traveler can tell him nothing more. So Martin and his friends Gonff and Dinny set off with Trimp to return to the Northland shore, and seek the truth of the father he barely knew.

"A floodtide of memories poured in on Martin's senses. Every rock, even the wind-driven sand drifts, looked familiar to him. Turning to his tired companions, the Warrior spoke in a hoarse whisper. "I was born here; I know this place."

Martin encounters friends and enemies, old and new. There is Folgrim, the mad otter, and his brother the Chieftain, Tungro. There are GUOSIM shrews aplenty, and little Chugger. There are battles with Flitchayes and the dreaded Painted Ones.

At long last, the adventurers discover a clue, an extraordinary shipwreck. It is a ship known as Arfship, and it is home to three ancient, veteran warriors. In their possession is a dusty old volume. It is the ship's log of the good ship Sayna. In it is chronicled the dramatic account of Luke's pursuit of his hated enemy, the pirate stoat, Vilu Daskar, to avenge the murder of his beloved wife.

Luke and his companions sail the Sayna, a tiny frail vessel, in an epic voyage in pursuit of the slavers who plow through the oceans in their monstrous ship, the Goreleech. This ship and its pirate captain drive fear to the ends of the earth, as they plunder far flung tropic isles. The ship, its decks often awash in blood, becomes known simply as The Redship.

In this tale the stories of father and son are interwoven. Many of the mysteries of the Abbey's early years unfold. Every true Redwaller will want to sign on for this adventure!

Summaries: Redwall 

The 4th Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Matthias

Redwall is an epic tale that begins at Redwall Abbey where Matthias, a young male mouse, is preparing for a great feast. With the help of his friend, Brother Alf (his full name is Mordalfus), he catches a fully-grown grayling. The grayling is then prepared to be the main course of the feast, for many from far and wide, including the Churchmouse family, from Saint Ninians Church.

Unfortunately, evil is coming their way.....

"Cluny the Scourge" a giant rat, many times larger than any other, with only a left eye -- his right eye lost in a battle long past -- carries a pole topped with a ferret's skull, and uses his immense tail as a whip, with a poisoned barb fitted to its tip. This great warlord leads an army of four hundred rats, ferrets, weasels, and stoats, which is rapidly approaching Redwall Abbey un-noticed.

Cluny the Scourge was thought to be only an old wive's tale, until young Matthias saw him. As a group of Redwallers were escorting their guests home, a large wagon pulled by a terrorized black horse, burst out of nowhere, noisily passing the Redwallers. The escort returns immediately to Redwall to report what they have seen. At the mention of Cluny the Scourge, everybody takes the whole incident as a joke, and laughs heartily at Sister Clemence's remark, "Perhaps Cluny is coming to get us for staying up late."

Once the Abbey's residents do become aware of Cluny's approach, they all puzzle on what to do: The most common conclusion is to abandon the Abbey, and find a new dwelling. But Matthias has other ideas. With the help of some others, he convinces those in the Abbey to make preparations to ward off the horde.

Meanwhile, Matthias tries to decode the many ancient inscriptions on walls, behind paintings, and other places throughout the Abbey. These inscriptions are believed to be written by Martin the Warrior himself. Every inscription is written in the form of a puzzle, and when the puzzle is solved, Matthias discovers that he must climb the heights of the Abbey tower, and find the sword of Martin the Warrior there. Unfortunately, a group of violent, and very dangerous sparrows known as the "Sparra" live up there always guarding the sword of Martin. And so the battle begins...

Summaries: Mattimeo 

The 5th Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Mattimeo

His full name is Matthias Methuselah Mortimer.

This story opens with an extract from the diary of John Churchmouse, historian and recorder of Redwall Abbey, giving a descriptive opinion of the weather, the daily happenings, and a little about the past. Abbot Mordalfus, formerly Brother Alf in Redwall, has named the season "Summer of the Golden Plain". Yet another feast is to be held, and all inhabitants of Redwall Abbey are busy helping to gather nuts, berries, catch fish, and prepare the food for the feast which will soon take place.

Matthias, father of Mattimeo is now guardian of Redwall Abbey. Some of the Abbey dibbuns run hurriedly to Cornflower, Matthias' wife, to let her know that Mattimeo is in a fight with another dibbun named Vitch, a rat-like mouse who has mysteriously appeared at Redwall Abbey. Cornflower rushes to separate the two mice, and scolds them angrily. Cornflower, too kindhearted to punish Mattimeo, sends him to his father to be punished.

Mattimeo

Mattimeo is sent to complete twice the work that Vitch has been assigned, and then to go to the fields to pick flowers for the feast. After finishing all the kitchen work, Mattimeo heads out to the fields. While gathering daisies with Cornflower, Tim, and Tess, Vitch begins grimacing at them, and teasing them. Having put up with enough nonsense, Tess picks up a pliant rose stem, and runs toward Vitch, crying,
"Look out, Vitch, there's a great big wasp on your tail. Stay still, I'll get it!"
Tess whacks away at Vitch's bottom, and afterward, continues her work, grining from ear to ear.

On the night of the feast, a group of rats, foxes, and other strangers show up at the front door of Redwall Abbey and claim to be Magicians. They are let into the Abbey, and are welcomed to the feast. The fox that leads the group is much larger than the others and wears a checkered mask over his face. He starts to perform simple magic tricks. A few hours later, all have dozed off, and the fox makes his move...

It is now morning, a very damp and hazy morning. Everybody awakens groggily, and begins their chores for the day. However, it is soon discovered that all the young ones including Mattimeo are nowhere to be found! Matthias begins to search Mossflower wood, but it begins to rain, and no tracks can be found.

Slagar the Cruel laughs hysterically at his triumph over Redwall Abbey. He is lucky Matthias did not recognize him in his disguise -- he is none other than Chickenhound.

Summaries: The Pearls of Lutra 

The 6th Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Grath LongfletchThe Pearls of Lutra begins just outside Redwall Abbey, where a young hogmaid named Tansy has been sent to gather herbs for Sister Cicely, with her young friend, Arven, keeping her company. A couple of hours after Tansy leaves the Abbey, the weather takes a turn for the worse, and it begins to rain. The two friends take shelter in a nearby cave, and Tansy soon finds herself looking for Arven, after the young squirrel runs off.
"Tanzeeeeee!" the dibbun's cries of despair are repeated, over and over, until Tansy finds Arven... standing next to a ferret's skeleton.

Meanwhile, on Sampetra Isle, Emperor Ublaz reigns, holding the title of Mad Eyes, because of his hypnotic stare. Mad Eyes commands hundreds of tropical lizards, and trident rats. Yet Ublaz yearns for one thing more -- The Pearls of Lutra! He has already murdered the otter tribe, Holt Lutra, to gain them. Yet the rat he sent to fetch the pearls has not returned.

His one great mistake was taking Grath Longfletch, daughter of the tribe leader, for dead. For she is not dead. Grath Longfletch will be known for season's to come, killing searats like a madbeast, with her reknowned green-flighted arrows. Having stolen a longboat from a small group of searats, she begins her quest to the Southern region of Mossflower, in pursuit of the searats who killed her family.

Martin the Second, son of Mattimeo, has left Redwall Abbey to inspect the skeleton. With the corpse, was found a spoon which had belonged to Fermald the Ancient, an elderly Redwaller who had passed away several seasons before. But not long after Martin and his companions return to the Abbey with the spoon, Ublaz's army turns up at the gate, where he has tracked the Pearls....and here, the real adventure begins.

Summaries: Triss 

The 7th Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

TrissEnslaved by the evil ferret King Agarnu of Riftgard, and his cruel daughter, Kurda, the brave squirrelmaid Triss plans a daring escape by sea.

At the same time, far away in Salamandastron, three young companions sail away from their mountain home too, but for a very different reason - they are seeking adventure.

Meanwhile, in Mossflower Woods, a pair of wandering Dibbuns accidentally discover the long-lost entrance to Brockhall, the most legendary home of the Badger Lords.

The three groups of travelers are drawn together by fate, when Triss comes to Redwall, and the inhabitants of the abbey find that they have a new champion - someone brave enough to carry the sword of Martin the Warrior and face the evil that threatens them all.

In this, the fifteenth novel in the Redwall epic, Brian Jacques once again looks to the history of the sword of Martin the Warrior for his adventure, and introduces a new and unforgettable heroine.

Summaries: Loamhedge 

The 7th Book in Chrononlogical Order that I've Read! ;)

Lonna BowstripeLonna makes shooting stars with his bow and arrows.

Loamhedge, the deserted Abbey, forgotten for countless seasons. What secrets do its ruins hold?

Martha Braebuck, a young hare-maid, wheelchair-bound since infancy, wonders about a mysterious old poem relating to the ancient Abbey. Could it really be the key to her cure? But how could she get to this Loamhedge? As fate has it, two old warriors, travelers returning to Redwall Abbey, are inspired by the spirit of Martin the Warrior to quest for the ancient place - and three young rebels are determined to go with them.

In another part of Mossflower Country, the giant badger Lonna Bowstripe thirsts for vengeance as he relentlessly hunts down the Searat Raga Bol and his murderous crew. He pursues them unto the very gates of Redwall - and finds valiant Abbeybeasts defending their home against the conniving band of marauding vermin!

Riddles, feasting, songs and battle intertwine with the forces of good and evil in this epic saga. Join the heroes in their far-flung mission. Stand on the ramparts with the Abbot and his friends. Face the Foebeast at the Abbey or Redwall. Take the high road to adventure in the search for the hidden secret of Loamhedge! Eulaliiiiiaaaaaaa!

Doomwyte 

Read all about Brian Jacques latest Redwall Adventurers. Doomwyte is the twentieth novel in the Redwall series.

When young mouse Bisky convinces the creatures of Redwall Abbey to go in search of fabled treasure, they do not suspect that the evil Korvus Skurr and his sinister ravens, the Doomwytes, will be vying for the very same treasure. Bisky and his fellow Redwallers must summon all their courage to face their most ruthless enemies yet in an exhilarating, terrifying treasure hunt.

Doomwyte: A Novel of Redwall (Redwall)

Amazon Price: $16.31 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Redwall Series 

Redwall Abbey

The books in the Redwall Series are all wonderful reads. If you haven't read one of the ones below, why not start today. If you have read them all, it's time to start reading them again. Curl up in a comfy chair and open the doors to Redwall Abbey. An adventure awaits you around every corner.

Get a Pet Redwall Mouse! 

These are the mice that inhabit the abbey.

Mini Field Mouse Finger Puppet by Folkmanis Puppets [Toy] [Toy]

Young Matthias Methusaleh Mortimer...or Mattimeo.

Amazon Price: $4.90 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Calico Critters Norwood Mouse Family

Mr. and Mrs. Churchmouse, and their children Tim and Tess.

Amazon Price: Too low to display (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Pet Mouse Finger Puppet [Toy] [Toy]

A young novice for your abbey.

Amazon Price: $9.40 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Plush White Mouse Puppet 8"

An old fat mouse :3

Amazon Price: $14.85 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Mouse Guard: Lieam Deluxe Plush Toy

A young warrior, who looks like Martin the Warrior.

Amazon Price: $10.95 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Shopping for Squirrels 

Redwall is full of squirrels. They are just what you need to reenact the story or cuddle with as you read the story.

AKC Classic Plush Squirrel, Large

Old Friar Bobb, mentor of young Broggle.

Amazon Price: $21.98 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Plush Nutty Gray Squrriel 8"

James Squirrel, husband of Jess and father of Sam.

Amazon Price: $7.92 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Ty Beanie Babies - Nuts the Squirrel

Simply a replica of Jess Squirrel

Amazon Price: $3.74 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Mini Squirrel Finger Puppet by Folkmanis [Toy] [Toy] [Toy]

Young Silent Sam, James and Jess's son.

Amazon Price: $8.88 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Otters! 

Don't forget the Hotroot Soup!

Otters love Hot Root Soup.

Plush River Otter Puppet 13"

Young Deyna/Tagg, though marking-less.

Amazon Price: $18.48 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Safari Incredible Creatures: North American River Otter

The Skipper of Otters, captain of all crews of otters in Mossflower.

Amazon Price: $4.99 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Miniature Artisan Mother's Chicken Soup

No otter can resist good hotroot soup!

Amazon Price: $6.99 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Proper Redwall Attire for Your Stuffed Animals! 

A cape to travel in, medieval robes and a book of patterns to make more...

Build Redwall Abbey 

Redwall Abbey
Seven Little Australians: Redwall Abbey
The Seven Little Australians, a homeschooling family, love Redwall so much that they decided to build an Abbey.

What are people saying about Brian Jacques and Redwall? 



Brian Jacques

Photo Credit: Brian Jacques
on Flickr, Creative Commons.



VETERAN TV presenter and broadcaster Esther Rantzen, songwriter Richard Stilgoe and Liverpudlian children's author Brian Jacques are among the celebrities who will receive Honorary Fellowships in this year's awards by Liverpool John Moores University.

Brian Jacques, who already has an Honorary Doctorate of Letters from the University of Liverpool, received his award for his work in children's literature: his novels, which include the hugely popular Redwall series, have sold more than 20m copies worldwide and have been published in 28 languages.

And Mr Jacques said: "I'm delighted to have been recognized by my own city. As a boy who did not go to grammar school and had to leave at 15 to get a job without any further education, this is indeed a very great honor of which I will be very proud."
Smithsburg brothers get wind of energy-saving strategy

Redwall Poster 

Redwall Map (with The Redwall Riddler)

Amazon Price: $9.99 (as of 12/06/2009) Buy Now

Redwall on eBay 

I keep a basket of books in one bathroom and a book shelf of books in the other. Buy changing them often I notice that various members of my family pick them up and start reading. Books in the bathroom encourage children to read.

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Redwall and Brian Jacques in the News! 

Writing on the Wall
A Seattle kids' treasure in need of rescue
There's a popular Seattle children's bookstore with a magical room that is a city treasure. Inside, famous authors sign and draw on the walls. The store is closing in June. Can these rich walls be saved?

If these walls could talk, they'd tell stories, starting with how the graffiti began. Brian Jacques, creator of the popular "Redwall" fantasy series, one day asked: Hey, can I sign the wall?

Why not, Haslet shrugged. So on April 18, 1995, Jacques wrote a clever anagram: "Fall or Skid -- All For Kids!"
'Redwall' builds charm for children, adults
It's clear in Jacques' fictional world who is good and who is not. Rats, ferrets, weasels and stoats, along with foxes and wildcats (note they're all meat-eaters) are uniformly evil. Mice, squirrels, hedgehogs, and the like (vegetarians all) are uniformly good. The author has said he goes by European folk traditions in determining his heroes and villains ("sly as a fox," for instance).
Brian Jacques and 'Doomwyte' - 12/10/2008 2:10:00 PM - School Library Journal
The Redwall series is entering its third decade. What's the secret to its longevity?
I have always written for my audience. My audience is children, and they haven't changed in the last 20 years. There will always be the magic of childhood. I also think it helps that each book is a completely separate story. You can put all the "Redwall" books into a sack and pull one out and read it without having to read any of the others.

Redwall Gets Fourth Grade Boys to Read 

Redwall
Overcome 'fourth-grade slump' with patience, persistence
As kids advance into the higher elementary grades, some - mostly boys - tend to lose interest in reading. Kids may hesitate to commit themselves to full-length novels but once they're acquainted with a set of series characters - like Brian Jacques' "Redwall" heroes - they'll read tens of thousands of words about them.

Other Redwall Websites 

Redwall
Snowfur's Redwall Encyclopedia!
Art, Literature, and those cute lil' woodlanders!
The DAB!
The DAB, or Dibbuns Against Bedtime! Come and Join the fun!
Brian Jacques' Official Website
The official website for Brian Jacques!
Modern Redwall!
Come in, and join MR!
How to Build a Castle
This link explains how to make a castle from refrigerator boxes. Use these ideas to build an Abbey as well.
Brian Jacques: The Official Website
In our imaginations we can go anywhere. Travel with me to Redwall in Mossflower country.

Redwall's Dearest Neighboring Lenses 

Redwall is in the Four Wheeler's Online Unit Study Directory 

The Four Wheelers Internet Directory of Unit Studies

Thank you to the Four Wheelers for including the Redwall in their Online Unit Study Directory.
Internet Directory of Unit Studies
The Four Wheelers Internet Directory of Unit Studies contains a list, roughly arranged by subject, of links to unit studies that are published on the Internet.

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