Redwall by Brian Jacques is a children’s Modern Fantasy book. I believe this book met the criteria for the genre very well. First, the animal world is consistent throughout the book. The animals talk and wear clothes. The time period is the olden days, like the middle ages or the Shakespearean period. The good guys, like Mathias, always tried to do good things like Martin the Warrior, who he idolized. The bad guys, like Cluney the Scourge, uses whatever means necessary to get what he wants. Father Abbot, who is old and wise, is a valuable father figure and mentor to young Mathias.

Second, it suspends disbelief when it beings the story from the perspective of young Mathias. We hear his thoughts as he walks around in big sandals, carrying a basket of hazelnuts. We slowly realize he has a tail, whiskers, four paws, and is a mouse. The story begins in the world of fantasy, and the language is old English and respectful. The characters have access to a large vocabulary, just like the people who lived during the time of William Shakespeare.

Third, the detail in the story paints a picture that makes it easy to imagine. The author describes a bird that whistles, and the stonewalled Abby of Redwall. There is a beautiful tapestry showing their history and an image of Martin, the Warrior. The Abby has high, narrow stained-glass windows, where the light filters into a million-colored dust-motes. The words “I am that is” are inscribed on the sword of Martin, the Warrior.

Fourth, the themes of the book are empowering Mathias to become a great Warrior and leading his people to defending Redwall from Cluney, the Scourge, and his army, who are trying to take control of Redwall Abby. Even though Mathias is scared, he accepts the challenge and faces his fears as he develops strength and courage. He even hears the voice of Martin, the Warrior, when the tapestry is stolen. Martin called Mathias and said, “Mathias, don’t let them take me.” Mathis found the poem containing clues to the location of the tomb and sword for Martin, the Warrior:

Who says that I am dead
Knows nought at all.
I – am that is,
Two mice within Redwall.
The warrior sleeps
‘Twixt Hall and Cavern Hole.
I – am that is,
take on my mighty role.
Look for the sword
in moonlight streaming forth
At night, when day’s first hour
reflects the north.
From o’er the threshold
seek and you will see;
I – am that is,
my sword will wield for me.

            Fifth, the point of view throughout most of the book is from Mathias, but occasionally we see the point of view from others, like Father Abbot.

The story is aimed for all ages, but it is still easy for young children to read. Because children have seen the television series, they will be motivated to read this book because it is so familiar.

I can think of several classroom activities for exploring this book. The students could be encouraged to draw pictures of mice and rats in clothes, carrying swords and shields. Or they could draw the Abby or the beautiful and frightening Moss Flowered Woods. They could also learn to prepare dishes like Friar Hugo did:

• Grayling ala Redwall – fish dish with lemon slices
• Tender fresh water shrimp garnished with cream and rose leaves
• Deviled Barley Pearls in Acorn Puree
• Raspberry Cordial
• Apple & Carrot chews
• Marinated cabbage stocks seeped in cream white turnip with nutmeg
• Candy nuts
• Classroom activities

Another idea would be to create their own indoor circus like we see in the book. This circus could feature:

• Jesters (clowns)
• Acrobats
• Jugglers
• Dancers
• Fortune tellers
• Magicians
• Musicians
• Mock sword fights (sticks) with cardboard armor

This book is as fun to read as the television show is fun to watch. When I was little, my mom loved to watch the show with me.