#4 in Redwall Series
Mariel of Redwall
1993 by
on Goodreads (43,953)
What’s inside...
Mariel, the mousemaid, embarks on an epic journey to save her father Joseph from the clutches of the evil sea rat Gabool. Along the way, she encounters friends and foes, faces numerous challenges, and discovers her own strength and courage.
Why read this book
- Action-packed, adventurous narrative.
- Teaches values of courage and friendship.
- Enhances vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Ideal for shared reading with family.
The Big Picture
- Resilience against adversity
- Importance of friendships
- Courage to confront challenges
- Teamwork leads to triumph
Diversity & Representation
- Features diverse, inclusive anthropomorphic animal characters.
- Promotes themes of unity and cooperation among different groups.
- Encourages understanding and acceptance of varied backgrounds and skills.
Book in series
#4
Age
10-13
Length
376 pages
Text complexity
intermediate
Character Compass
Discussion points
How do you think Mariel felt when she stood up to the villain, and what would you do in a similar situation?
What do you admire most about Mariel's character, and why?
In what ways do the friends Mariel makes along her journey help her, and how do you help your friends?
How does the story show the importance of courage and kindness?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Mariel’s adventure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how they relate to Mariel and the challenges she faces. Ask them to consider parallels in their own lives.
Discuss the concept of bravery featured heavily in the book, and relate it to real-life examples of everyday bravery your child might encounter.
Explore the theme of friendship with your child by asking how Mariel’s relationships could be mirrored in their own friendships.
Prompt your child to discuss the lessons Mariel learns throughout the book and how those lessons could be applied in their daily life.
What parents love
Engaging adventure, loved by both boys and girls.
Great introduction to fantasy genre for young readers.
Teaches important values through captivating storytelling.
My child couldn't put it down, highly recommend.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and Perseverance
Explanation: Mariel, the protagonist, demonstrates immense courage and perseverance as she overcomes numerous obstacles to save her father and defeat the evil Gabool.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and challenges, understanding that persistence and bravery can help them overcome difficult situations in school and personal life.
Example Lesson: Friendship and Loyalty
Explanation: Throughout her journey, Mariel forms strong bonds with characters like Dandin, showing that loyalty and helping each other is crucial to success.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of building strong, supportive relationships and sticking by their friends during tough times.
Example Lesson: Justice and Fair Play
Explanation: Mariel’s quest is driven by a need to right the wrongs done by Gabool, demonstrating the importance of seeking justice and fair treatment.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of standing up for what is right and fair, promoting a sense of justice in interactions with peers.
Example Lesson: Creative Problem Solving
Explanation: Mariel and her friends often have to come up with clever solutions to bypass dangers and obstacles, underscoring the importance of thinking creatively under pressure.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to think outside the box and apply creative thinking to solve problems at school or in social scenarios.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Explanation: Mariel repeatedly faces setbacks yet always manages to push forward, showcasing resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of resilience, understanding that setbacks are temporary and can be overcome with determination and a positive attitude.