Redwall Series
Outcast of Redwall
on Goodreads (21,285)
What’s inside...
The eighth book in the beloved, bestselling Redwall saga - soon to be a major Netflix movie!When ferret Swartt Sixclaw and the badger Sunflash the Mace swear a pledge of death upon each other, it is the beginning of a long and bitter struggle between them.And when the Abbess of Redwall banishes a young creature from the Abbey, the Outcast of Redwall finds himself embroiled in their hostile battle.
Age
8-9
Length
368 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
What qualities make Sunflash and Swartt differ from each other? How do their choices affect their paths?
Why do you think Veil is considered an outcast, and do you feel he deserved that label?
What does the story teach us about friendship and redemption?
How do the different creatures in Redwall cooperate, and what can we learn from their teamwork?
What role does forgiveness play in the story, and can everyone be forgiven?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral dilemmas the characters face, fostering empathy and ethical reasoning.
Discuss the diverse characters and their backgrounds to help your child understand and appreciate differences in others.
Prompt your child to draw parallels between the book’s events and real-life situations to deepen understanding.
Recognize the roles of heroes and villains in the story to help your child distinguish between good and bad influences.
Ask your child to imagine alternative outcomes for key events to stimulate creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Compassion and understanding
Explanation: In 'Outcast of Redwall', the characters learn to show kindness and understanding towards others, regardless of their backgrounds or past actions. This is illustrated through the evolving relationships between the Redwall Abbey inhabitants and Veil, the ferret.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by embracing inclusivity and showing empathy towards their peers, understanding that everyone’s story and background is unique.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices
Explanation: The narrative highlights how personal choices can influence one's destiny. Veil’s decisions throughout the story underscore the consequences of one’s actions on their life and on others around them.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to think about the outcomes their choices might have, encouraging them to make decisions that reflect kindness and integrity.
Example Lesson: Courage and heroism
Explanation: Characters in the book, like Sunflash the Mace and Skarlath, display courage in the face of adversity, providing a model of heroism. Their brave actions in overcoming challenges are a central theme.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stand up for what is right and to face challenges with bravery, translating into everyday acts of heroism like standing up against bullying.
Example Lesson: The importance of community
Explanation: The story illustrates the strength found in community support, as seen when Redwall Abbey inhabitants band together to overcome adversities.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to value and contribute to their own communities, whether it's family, school, or local groups.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Several characters demonstrate forgiveness towards others who have wronged them, highlighting the power of mercy and reconciliation.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of forgiving others, understanding that holding onto anger or resentment can be more harmful than the wrongdoing itself.