Redwall

Redwall, by Brian Jacques
ISBN: 0142302376
Publisher: Puffin/Philomel, 2002

Redwall is a peaceful abbey in the heart of Mossflower Wood.  The buildings and grounds are home to hundreds of mice, squirrels, otters, badgers, and moles.  But the shining walls, the food and supplies occasionally bring enemy attacks.  In this story (the first of a long series), Cluny the Scourge and his hoarde of rats decide to conquer Redwall for themselves.  Redwall was built by a warrior named Martin, but most creatures who live there have never handled a weapon or experienced a fight.  A young mouse, Matthias, must find Martin's sword in order to defeat the enemy.  Matthias' courage and determination are the only things standing in Cluny's way.