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Redwall author Brian Jacques dies aged 71

A former merchant sailor whose children's books sold millions worldwide has died aged 71.

Brian Jacques' Redwall series of books were translated into 29 languages and sold 20m globally.

He first wrote the series, set in an abbey populated by animals, for children at the Royal Wavertree School for the Blind in Liverpool.

The Liverpool-born writer's weekly show, Jakestown, ran on BBC Radio Merseyside for more than 20 years.

He died after a heart attack at the weekend and leaves a wife and two grown up sons.
Literary talent

Mr Jacques grew up near to the docks in Liverpool and when he left school at 15, travelled the world as a merchant seaman.

In the sixties, with his two brothers, he formed a folk group called The Liverpool Fishermen.

He wrote 21 novels in the Redwall series, which were also turned into a TV series and an opera.

Some critics compared them to JRR Tolkein's Lord Of The Rings and Watership Down by Richard Adams.

Even as a child he showed literary talent.

He was caned by a teacher who could not believe that a 10-year-old could write so well when he penned a short story about a bird who cleaned a crocodile's teeth.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-12380763

I've met him, a great story teller and wit. I didn;t think he was so young. RIP Brian,

I remember his programe on Radio Merseyside called Jacques Town which was broadcast on a sunday mornings. So sad to hear that he has died.

Didn,t He use Rocking Goose by Johnny and the Hurricanes as his theme tune on Radio Merseyside on a sunday morning http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSf6w_sNVTA

I remember Jacque's Town as well!
I didn't realise his books sold millions all over the world!

...always thought he sang his own theme song on Jakestown. At least the one I seem to remember was called something like 'That's my Liverpool'. Sounded a bit like a folk song and one verse in particular always stuck in my mind:-

"My Liverpool's a city of cats & dogs all kicking up in the street,
Wont you give that dog a bone Ma, give that kid a sweet,
And we know how to treat a stranger - see that open door,
If you've never had a bowl of my Ma's scouse then you've never lived before!"

I could be wrong. Perhaps he just played that song to finish his show with? Anyway, he was brilliant on the radio - sometimes funny, sometimes poignant, but always interesting to listen to. Seemed like a really warm & genuine person. A true embassador for Liverpool if ever there was one.

I think he did sing that song!
"meeeeeeeerrseeeeeeeeeysiiiiiiiiiddde". lol

yeh I am probably wrong it was a long time ago

Nice one, DavidB! That's deffo the song. Priceless mate!!

Sorry if any of the lyrics I quoted are wrong, but as johnco just said it was a long time ago!

Only problem is, I can't get that soddin' tune out of me head now...