#1 in Redwall Series
Redwall
on Goodreads (122,601)
What’s inside...
An epic tale of the courageous mouse, Matthias, as he embarks on a daring quest to defend Redwall Abbey from the vicious rat, Cluny the Scourge. He must retrieve the legendary sword of Martin the Warrior to stand a chance against the fearsome rat army.
Discussion points
What qualities do you think make Matthias a good leader in 'Redwall'? Are there any leaders you look up to who share these qualities?
How does the story show the importance of teamwork and community?
What different ways do characters in 'Redwall' show bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
Redwall Abbey is very important to the characters in the book. Is there a place that feels special to you like that?
If you could have a feast with the Redwall creatures, what kind of food would you bring to share?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the characters’ experiences to their own life by asking them personal questions sparked by the plot or the characters' decisions.
Discuss the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. Guide your child to consider what they would do in similar situations and why.
Highlight the rich descriptions used in the book, and ask your child to imagine or draw scenes or characters based on these descriptions.
Explore the theme of good versus evil as presented in the book. This can lead to a deeper understanding of the characters' motives and actions.
Use the book’s setting and events as a starting point for a creative project, such as creating a map of Redwall Abbey or writing a short story about a new adventure involving the characters.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Heroism
Explanation: In 'Redwall', the characters frequently face dangers and challenges, displaying bravery to protect their community. Matthias, the young mouse, exemplifies courage as he embarks on a quest to retrieve a legendary sword and defend Redwall Abbey.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of standing up for what is right and protecting others, even when it might be daunting. This can be applied in everyday situations where they may need to confront bullying or help a friend in need.
Example Lesson: The value of wisdom and knowledge
Explanation: Throughout the book, characters such as Brother Methuselah use knowledge and wisdom to solve problems and uncover secrets. Their insights are crucial in guiding Matthias and influencing positive outcomes.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value elderly wisdom and encourages them to seek knowledge and learn from others’ experiences to make informed decisions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Community
Explanation: The creatures of Redwall work together to protect their abbey from external threats. The story highlights how each character, regardless of their size or strength, contributes to their community's safety and wellbeing.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the importance of cooperation and each individual's contribution in achieving common goals, be it in family tasks, school projects, or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Matthias's journey is fraught with setbacks and challenges. His persistence and never-give-up attitude ultimately lead him to success, showcasing that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles.
Real-World Application: Children are inspired to keep trying despite difficulties, whether it's mastering a new skill, improving in a subject at school, or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Good vs. Evil
Explanation: The battle between Redwall Abbey inhabitants and Cluny the Scourge clearly delineates the forces of good and evil. It promotes a moral understanding of right and wrong through the characters’ actions and consequences.
Real-World Application: This helps children discern ethical behavior and understand the impact of their choices on themselves and others, reinforcing moral values in their daily interactions.