Purpose of this Blog...

You may have noticed that not all books are equal in capturing children's imaginations and in cultivating those innocent, tender souls. My goal is to help you find the ones that do!
(Painting by Mary Cassatt: "Mrs Cassatt Reading to her Grandchildren" -1888)




Wednesday, February 9, 2011

GOODBYE TO BRIAN JACQUES, CREATOR OF "REDWALL" AND A HERO TO MANY

Brian Jacques in 2000.  (Chris Maynard N.Y. Times Photo)

Some sad news was posted on Brian Jacques' website this week: 

"We are sorry to relay the news to all of Brian's friends and readers
of his passing on the evening of February 5th 2011. His family wish
to convey their thanks for the many messages of condolence they have
received. More information will appear here in due course." 

The New York Times posted a nice tribute today about this well-loved author and creator of the Redwall books.  You can read it here.

After many different jobs involving travel and hard physical labor, Jacques wrote the first Redwall story for children at a blind school.  The school, Royal Wavertree School for the Blind, was one of the stops on his milk delivery route in Liverpool, England. This first young audience definitely shaped the descriptive writing style that made Redwall (published in 1986), and the 20 books that followed, instant favorites with children (and their parents!)  His hero? A timid mouse named Matthias, whose mission was to protect Redwall Abbey.
"A mouse is small and can go unnoticed: but there is no limit to what a brave heart and a fearless spirit can achieve." - Brain Jacques

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