Redwall (Redwall Series #1)

by Brian Jacques, Brian Jacques (Narrated by)

Overview

When Redwall was published in 1987 it catapulted author Brian Jacques to international stardom. And small wonder! This enthralling tale is jam-packed with the things we long for in a great adventure: danger, laughter, hairbreadth escapes, tragedy, mystery, a touch of wonder, a truly despicable villain, and a hero we can take to heart.

That hero is Matthias, a young mouse who must rise above his fears and failures to save his friends at Redwall Abbey. The villain is Cluny the Scourge, one of the most deliciously despicable rats of all time. The unforgettable cast of supporting characters includes the stalwart badger Constance, an irrepressible hare named Basil Stag Hare, and the elderly wisemouse Brother Methuselah.

But most of all there is Matthias, seeking his true destiny in a journey that will lead through danger and despair to true wisdom.

Notable Children’s Recording (American Library Association)

Winner of an Audie Award—Best Children’s Production

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400085798
Publisher:	Listening Library, Inc.
Publication date:	10/31/2006
Series:	Redwall Series
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	10 - 14 Years

About the Author

Brian Jacques was both a master storyteller and a jack-of-all-trades. He lived the life of a sailor, actor, stand-up comedian, radio host, bobby, even a bus driver. He was the recipient of an honorary doctorate in literature from the University of Liverpool and a New York Times bestselling author of more than twenty-five books for younger readers, including the wildly popular Redwall series. Dr. Jacques was a lifelong resident of Liverpool, England.

Date of Birth:

June 15, 1939

Date of Death:

February 5, 2011

Place of Birth:

Liverpool, England

Place of Death:

Liverpool, England

Education:

St. John¿s School, Liverpool, England

Website:

http://www.redwall.org

Editorial Reviews

His book is artfully structured to rivet the attention of young readers and listeners. Mr. Jacques has woven an energetic, if somewhat simple-minded, fantasy on a refreshingly old-fashioned subject: the struggle between good and evil. ''Redwall'' is both a credible and an ingratiating place, one to which many young readers will doubtless cheerfully return. -- New York Times

Selma Lanes

Only the lost sword of Martin the Warrior can save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny and his greedy horde. The young mouse Matthias (formerly Redwall's most awkward novice) vows to recover the legendary weapon. In the course of his quest, Matthias forges strong ties with various local animals. As much as the magic of the sword, it is the help of these new friends that enables Matthias to defeat Cluny once and for all. Jacques's clever use of detail creates an animal world as compelling as that of The Wind in the Willows. From the beginning, each of Redwall's characters is endowed with a unerringly distinct personality: there is a powerful badger named Constance; a mute squirrel named Silent Sam, who knows the forest better than anyone; and his mother Jess, a champion climber who leads a splendid rescue of a piece of the abbey's tapestry. This epic adventure contains elements of all grand quests, with heroic archetypes that will keep fans of Tolkein and King Arthur tales engaged to the final battle. Illustrations not seen by PW. All ages. (June)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Gr 7 Up-This full scale, unabridged performance is a fine salute to the tenth anniversary of the publication of Redwall (Philomel, 1986). Author Brian Jacques narrates as an outstanding British cast brings the saga to life. Charming musical accents further enhance the reading. Each character's voice is distinct, and the reading is well-paced. Young mouse Matthias' adventures as he tries to save Redwall Abbey from the evil rat Cluny will enthrall listeners. The Redwall fantasy adventure series has a rabid, international following, and this production will serve to swell the ranks of fans.C.A. Prevetti, Milwaukee Public Library, WI

School Library Journal

Brian Jacques has the true fantasy writer’s ability to create a wholly new and believable world.” –School Library Journal

“Jacques extols the virtues of honor and valor…[The Redwall Novels] are a good read, with enticing maps, plenty of songs, a dose of natural history, and loads of excitement, charm, and humor.” –The Irish Times

“Wonderfully imaginative.” –The New York Times Book Review

“Children are privileged to enter the rich world of Redwall and Mossflower. So are the parents who get to come along.” –The Boston Phoenix

“A grand adventure story. Once the reader is hooked, there is no peace until the final page.” –Chicago Sun-Times

“Old-fashioned swashbuckling adventure.” –Locus

“The Redwall books…add a touch of chivalry and adventure reminiscent of the King Arthur stories.” –Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

“Filled with rousing adventure, strong characters, and vibrant settings.” –The Boston Sunday Globe

“Packed with action and imbued with warmth…richly inventive.” –Kirkus Reviews

“Jacques’s effortless, fast-paced narrative gets its readers quickly hooked. He clearly loves this other world he has created—there’s a genius sense of involvement and care (lots of lovingly descriptive passages), as well as an overflowing, driving imagination.” –Birmingham Post

“A richly imagined world in which bloody battles vie for attention with copious feasting and tender romancing.” –The Cincinnati Enquirer

From the Publisher