Brian Jacques facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Brian Jacques
Jacques in November 2007
Born	James Brian Jacques (1939-06-15)15 June 1939 Liverpool, England
Died	5 February 2011(2011-02-05) (aged 71) Liverpool, England
Nationality	English
Education	St John's School
Occupation	Novelist
Known for	Redwall novel series
Spouse(s)	Maureen Jacques
Children	David Jacques Marc Jacques
Parent(s)	James Jacques Ellen Ryan

James Brian Jacques (pronounced "Jakes") was an English novelist. He was born on June 15, 1939, and passed away on February 5, 2011. He is most famous for his Redwall series of books. He also wrote the Castaways of the Flying Dutchman series. Besides these, he wrote two collections of short stories: The Ribbajack & Other Curious Yarns and Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales.

Early Life of Brian Jacques

Brian Jacques was born in Liverpool, England, on June 15, 1939. He grew up in a part of Liverpool called Kirkdale, close to the Liverpool Docks. He was known by his middle name, Brian, because his father and a brother were also named James.

His father loved to read. He would read adventure stories to his boys. These included tales by famous authors like Daniel Defoe and Robert Louis Stevenson. He also read The Wind in the Willows, which features many animal characters.

Brian showed a talent for writing very early. When he was ten, he had to write a story about an animal. He wrote about a bird that cleaned a crocodile's teeth. His teacher didn't believe a ten-year-old could write such a story. Brian was punished for not admitting he copied it. This experience made him realize how good he was at writing.

He went to St John's School until he was fifteen. Back then, it was common to leave school at that age. Brian then decided to become a merchant sailor and travel the world.

How the Redwall Series Began

Brian Jacques wrote his first Redwall book for some special friends. These were children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind. He first met them when he was a milkman. He started spending time with the children, reading books aloud to them.

However, he felt that many children's books were not very exciting. They often focused on sad feelings instead of magic and adventure. So, he decided to write his own stories for them.

His books are known for their very detailed descriptions. He makes you feel like you are right there. He describes sounds, smells, tastes, and how things feel, not just how they look.

Brian Jacques' Writing Career

Brian Jacques' writing became famous thanks to his old English teacher, Alan Durband. Alan also taught The Beatles members Paul McCartney and George Harrison. Without telling Brian, Alan showed the Redwall manuscript to his own publisher.

Alan told the publishers, "This is the best children's story I've ever read. You would be silly not to publish it." Soon after, Brian was called to London. The publishers offered him a contract to write five more books in the series!

The first Redwall book was an 800-page handwritten story. At that time, most children's books were much shorter. Redwall set the style for the whole series. It was about good triumphing over evil. Peaceful animals like mice, badgers, and squirrels fight against rats, weasels, and ferrets. Brian didn't shy away from showing the reality of battles. Sometimes, even the "good" characters would die.

In Redwall, there are hints of human civilization. For example, a horse-drawn cart appears. But in later books, humans are completely gone. The animal world is like an ancient society. They build castles, bridges, and ships. They even write their own books and draw maps.

Brian was very involved in the audiobooks of his work. He even asked his sons and others to voice the characters. He said that the characters in his stories were based on real people he had met. For example, Gonff, the "Prince of Mousethieves," was based on Brian himself as a young boy in Liverpool.

Brian remembered the food rationing during and after World War II. This made him dream of delicious meals. That's why his stories often feature huge feasts with lots of tasty food. He describes these meals in mouth-watering detail. The war also influenced his descriptions of battles.

Brian preferred old-fashioned ways. He liked using an old typewriter more than a computer. He wasn't a big fan of video games or other modern technology. However, he did allow an animated television series to be made. It aired on PBS in the United States. In the show, he would introduce himself at the start of each episode. He would also answer children's questions at the end.

Brian felt very touched by his success in reaching children. He was also happy to be recognized by the people of Liverpool. His novels have sold over twenty million copies worldwide. They have been published in twenty-eight different languages.

Other Interests

Brian Jacques also loved music. In the 1960s, he started a folk music band called the Liverpool Fishermen. He formed it with two of his brothers. He also hosted a radio show called Jakestown on BBC Radio Merseyside. This show ran from 1986 to 2006. On it, he played selections from his favorite operas.

Recognition and Awards

In June 2005, the University of Liverpool gave Brian Jacques an honorary degree. This was a special award for his achievements in literature. A prize was also created at Bristol Grammar School. It's called the 'Brian Jacques Award for Most Improved Creative Writing'. It is given to a student in Year 8.

Family Life

Brian lived in Liverpool with his wife, Maureen. They had two sons, David and Marc, who are now adults. They also had grandchildren named Hannah and Anthony. Marc works as a joiner and bricklayer. David is a muralist and an art professor.

Death

In 2011, Brian Jacques went to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital for emergency surgery. He had a serious problem with a blood vessel. He sadly passed away from a heart attack on February 5, 2011.

Books by Brian Jacques

Redwall Series

1. Redwall (1986)
2. Mossflower (1988)
3. Mattimeo (1989)
4. Mariel of Redwall (1991)
5. Salamandastron (1992)
6. Martin the Warrior (1993)
7. The Bellmaker (1994)
8. Outcast of Redwall (1995)
9. The Pearls of Lutra (1996)
10. The Long Patrol (1997)
11. Marlfox (1998)
12. The Legend of Luke (1999)
13. Lord Brocktree (2000)
14. The Taggerung (2001)
15. Triss (2002)
16. Loamhedge (2003)
17. Rakkety Tam (2004)
18. High Rhulain (2005)
19. Eulalia! (2007)
20. Doomwyte (2008)
21. The Sable Quean (2010)
22. The Rogue Crew (2011) (published after his death)

Tribes of Redwall Series

• Tribes of Redwall Badgers (2001)
• Tribes of Redwall Otters (2001)
• Tribes of Redwall Mice (2003)

Other Redwall Books

• The Great Redwall Feast (1996)
• Redwall Map & Riddler (1997)
• Redwall Friend & Foe (2000)
• A Redwall Winter's Tale (2003)
• The Redwall Cookbook (2005)

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman Series

• Castaways of the Flying Dutchman (2001)
• The Angel's Command (2003)
• Voyage of Slaves (2006)

Urso Brunov Books

• The Tale of Urso Brunov: Little Father of All Bears (2003)
• Urso Brunov and the White Emperor (2008)

Other Works

• Seven Strange and Ghostly Tales (1991)
• The Ribbajack & Other Curious Yarns (2004)