Author of `Redwall' children's series continues to spin new fantasies.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)

"Once upon a time, long ago and far-r-r away ..."

That's all it takes for English author Brian Jacques to carry you away on a magic carpet ride. And to make you wish you were a kid again, so you could sit cozily at his feet and listen to the Liverpool raconteur's lilting baritone as Jacques embarks on one of his wonder-r-r-ful stories.

The good news is that one doesn't have to be in knee-socks to appreciate his bestselling children's books. At 61, Jacques (pronounced "Jakes") captivates fans of all ages.

The master storyteller is famous for his engaging "Redwall" series of 14 fantasy novels, featuring the swashbuckling adventures of a mischievous, justice-minded menagerie of mice, squirrels, rabbits and other personable animals.

Also good news: His latest novel, "Castaways of the Flying Dutchman" (Penguin Putnam, $22.95), has hit the bookstores. A diversion from his Redwall books, the story follows a lad and his dog who communicate telepathically, righting wrongs as they travel through time.

Jacques took time out during an earlier stop on his U.S. tour to talk about his work. His seafarer's brogue salted his tales, and he chomped on a scone while he spoke on the phone.

"My people were Catholic Irish working class, quite poor," he says. "Dad drove a truck. Mum took care of the house and me two brothers and meself. I loved reading and observing the human condition. Movies were a rare treat. I loved to sit in that well of imagination, swallowed up in the dark. I yearned to be in another place and time. America was the magic land _ home, car and icebox with lots of things to eat.