Brian Jacques Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Brian Jacques books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Brian Jacques was more than just an author—he was a storyteller who brought magic to life through the pages of his books. Born in Liverpool, England, in 1939, he grew up near the busy docks of the city, in a neighborhood called Kirkdale. His full name was James Brian Jacques, but because his father and brother also went by “James,” everyone called him by his middle name—Brian.

From an early age, Brian loved books. He would spend hours reading adventure stories written by authors like Edgar Rice Burroughs and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. He also had a soft spot for tales with animal characters, like The Wind in the Willows. These stories shaped his imagination and gave him a deep love for fantasy and nature. Reading was more than just a hobby for Brian—it was the spark that would later ignite his career as a writer.

At just ten years old, Brian wrote a short story about a bird and a crocodile. The story was so well written that his teacher didn’t believe he had written it himself. In fact, the teacher punished him because he refused to admit he had copied it. This may seem like a sad moment, but for Brian, it was the first real sign that he had a special gift for writing. It was a turning point—he began to realize that storytelling was something he was meant to do.

But Brian’s journey wasn’t a straight path to fame. He left school at the young age of fifteen and joined the Merchant Navy. Over the years, he worked many different jobs—from truck driver to longshoreman. One of the most meaningful roles he took on was as a milkman. It was during this time that he began writing Redwall, the book that would change his life forever.

Brian used to deliver milk to a school for blind children. He would read to them and noticed that many of the children’s books at the time lacked imagination and heart. He believed kids deserved better—stories full of courage, friendship, and wonder. So he started writing one himself. That story became Redwall, and it wasn’t long before it caught the attention of someone important.

His old school teacher, Alan Durband, read the manuscript and was so impressed that he sent it to a publisher without telling Brian. The publisher loved it and called Brian to London to talk about turning the story into a book. What made Redwall stand out wasn’t just the writing—it was the length. At over 800 pages, it was far longer than most children’s books at the time. But Brian believed that if a story was exciting and meaningful, kids would read it no matter how long it was. He was right.

Redwall became a huge success, and it wasn’t long before a whole series followed. The books are set in a medieval-style world where animals take on the roles of heroes, villains, warriors, and leaders. Mice, badgers, otters, and other woodland creatures fight for justice, freedom, and peace. Unlike many children’s books, the Redwall series didn’t shy away from serious topics. Characters faced real danger, and sometimes, even the heroes didn’t survive. This made the stories feel real and unforgettable.

Brian Jacques was a master of description. He didn’t just write what things looked like—he described how they smelled, tasted, and sounded. His readers could almost feel the crunch of leaves underfoot or smell the feast laid out at Redwall Abbey. He created a world that felt alive and welcoming, and readers kept coming back for more.

Over time, Brian wrote more than 20 books in the Redwall series. His stories were translated into over 28 languages, and in 1999, Redwall even became an animated TV show. It aired on PBS and introduced a new generation to the world he had built with so much care and love.

Sadly, Brian Jacques passed away in 2011 after surgery for an aortic aneurysm. He left behind a wife, two children, and grandchildren. But more than that, he left behind a legacy of imagination and courage that still touches readers all over the world. He received many awards for his work, including the Western Australian Young Readers Award and the Lancashire Libraries Children’s Book of the Year.

For fans of fantasy, adventure, and timeless storytelling, Brian Jacques remains a beloved figure. His stories are more than books—they are journeys into a world where bravery comes in all shapes and sizes, and where even the smallest mouse can become a hero.