The Bellmaker
#7 in Redwall, Redwall (chronological order) Series
on Goodreads (24,009)
What’s inside...
The Bellmaker follows Joseph the Bellmaker and his friends as they embark on a quest to rescue Mariel and Dandin, who have not been heard from since they set off to fight evil. Along their journey, they face numerous dangers and trials, demonstrating courage, friendship, and perseverance. The book is part of the Redwall series by Brian Jacques, which is set to become a Netflix original movie.
Character compass
Joseph The Bellmaker
Mariel
Dandin
Rufe Brush
Tarquin Woodsorrel
Finnbarr Galedeep
Silvamord
Urgan Nagru
Discussion points
What do you think motivated Joseph the Bellmaker to take on his journey? How do you feel about his decisions?
How do the different characters in the story show bravery? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?
What are some of the challenges the characters face and how do they overcome them?
How do the characters work together to solve problems? Why is teamwork important?
What lessons can we learn about friendship and loyalty from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your thoughts on the book and ask your child to share their favorite part.
Relate the challenges faced by characters to real-life situations your child may encounter, fostering a deeper connection to the story.
Encourage your child to think about the moral lessons in the story and how they apply to their own life.
Praise your child's responses, even if they're different from your interpretation, to instill confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions.
Use the story's illustrations as a visual aid to enhance discussion and engage your child's imagination.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage in adversity
Explanation: In 'The Bellmaker,' characters face various challenges and dangers yet show bravery and resilience. This is exemplified through the journey and battles the protagonists endure, showcasing their courage in the face of adversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their own fears and challenges courageously, whether it's trying new activities, confronting bullies, or dealing with difficult situations at school.
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: The characters in 'The Bellmaker' often rely on teamwork to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. The story emphasizes that working together and valuing each other's strengths leads to success.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to appreciate the power of collaboration and to seek help and give support when working in groups, such as in school projects or team sports.
Example Lesson: Persistence pays off
Explanation: Despite numerous setbacks, the characters in the book persist in their quest, eventually achieving their goals. This demonstrates the value of perseverance and not giving up despite difficulties.
Real-World Application: Children are reminded that persistent efforts, even in the face of failure, can lead to eventual success in their academic pursuits or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Justice and fairness
Explanation: Throughout 'The Bellmaker,' themes of justice and fair play are integral as characters strive to right wrongs and fight against injustice, reflecting the moral compass set by the narrative.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of being fair and standing up for what is right, both in their interpersonal relationships and wider community engagements.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Characters in the book often show compassion and empathy towards others, regardless of their differences. This promotes an understanding and accepting attitude.
Real-World Application: Teaching children to be empathetic can improve their social interactions and ability to connect with peers who may be different from them, fostering a more inclusive community.