#17 in Redwall Series
Rakkety Tam
on Goodreads (11,065)
What’s inside...
New York Times bestselling author Brian Jacques gives us another tales of Redwall, filled with "The Knights of the Round Table with paws" (The Sunday Times) along with their friends and enemies.Rakkety Tam MacBurl is a brave border warrior who has travelled south in search of adventure. But when his army is attacked by an evil flesh-eating band, adventure finds him. Gulo the Savage, wolverine, flesh-eater and brutal killer, has come to Mossflower in search of his brother who stole the mystical stone that will make one of them king of the lands of ice and snow. Anybeast who gets in Gulo's way is dead meat. And he's heading for the peaceful Redwall Abbey unless Rakkety Tam can stop him.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think Rakkety Tam felt when he decided to stand up against Gulo the Savage? What would you have done in his place?
What qualities make a good leader? Can you find examples in the book where Rakkety Tam shows these qualities?
Why is friendship important in the story? How do the characters help each other throughout their adventures?
If you could have a conversation with any character from the book, who would it be and what would you ask them?
How do the settings in the story affect the characters and the plot? Which setting would you most like to visit?
Tip: Role play these questions
Initiate the conversation by sharing your own thoughts about the book to create a relaxed atmosphere.
Encourage children to relate their personal experiences to those of the characters to deepen their connection to the story.
Ask follow-up questions based on your child’s responses to encourage deeper thinking and exploration of themes.
Highlight the moral and ethical aspects of the story, making connections to real-world scenarios for better understanding.
Support creative thinking by asking what your child would add or change in the story and why.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: In 'Rakkety Tam,' the protagonist demonstrates bravery when confronting villains and obstacles throughout the story.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own challenges with determination and bravery, whether it's standing up to a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Rakkety Tam and his friends work together to overcome challenges, showcasing the strength found in collaboration.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to value cooperative play and teamwork in school projects or sports.
Example Lesson: Loyalty and friendship
Explanation: The characters show unwavering loyalty to one another, reinforcing the importance of supporting friends.
Real-World Application: Kids are reminded of the importance of being reliable and supportive friends in their own relationships.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: The story promotes justice as characters fight against wrongdoing and strive for fairness in their community.
Real-World Application: Children learn about the significance of fairness and are encouraged to practice honesty and integrity in their daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Perseverance through difficulties
Explanation: Despite setbacks, the characters keep pushing forward, illustrating the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps kids understand the importance of not giving up in the face of difficulties, whether in their academic or personal lives.