Pax: A Powerful Fox Story About Separation, War, and the Bond Between a Boy and His Pet

Targeted at the 8 – 12 year old group, Sara Pennypacker’s latest novel “Pax” is a book that carries universal truths and one that will touch readers of any age. Illustrated by Jon Klassen, the pen and ink drawings contained in the book enhance the story, strengthening the overall impact of the passages associated with each specific drawing. Set in an unidentified country during an unspecified time, “Pax” serves to remind readers that war and destruction may affect anyone – or anything. Twelve-year old Peter has cared for his pet fox, “Pax”, for five years. Orphaned as a kit, “Pax” is now as domesticated as any wild animal can be; he has never had to survive in the wild. “…distrust is no match for kindness administered consistently and unmeasured …” Having enlisted in the army, Peter’s father takes his son to live with his grandfather and demands that Peter release “Pax” back into the wild. Knowing Peter would not abandon him “Pax” waits patiently for his return. “…Pax would stay …ignore all temptations …until his boy came for him …” Haunted by his belief he has betrayed “Pax”, Peter leaves his grandfather’s home to recover his pet. A broken leg, an encounter with an amputee-veteran whose unnamed war occurred twenty years previously, and a realization – by both Peter and “Pax” – that each must be true to his own nature creates an emotional, poignant story that will touch your heart. Writing in the third person voice, Sara Pennypacker alternates the focus of “Pax” between developments affecting Peter and those in which “Pax” learns what it is to be a fox. Each chapter remains true to the focal character. In Peter’s, the reader learns about his life and his past. "…if he could visit the kind-eyed therapist, he’s smash those toy cars …Just to make everybody see …” The reader also watches Peter grow in his understanding of himself and of others. Talking to his benefactor about her war experience, Peter empathizes with her emotional state and begins to formulate a plan that will free her from her self-imposed exile. In Pax’s chapters, the narrative does not humanize the animals but remains realistic when it details the actions and responses to their surroundings. By Sara Pennypacker doing so, those portions of the narrative seems less fictitious and more like an appealing nature documentary. In both characters’ chapters, the horrors and the impact of war overshadow the narrative. One of Jon Klassen’s drawings, shown on pages 164 and 165, is quite memorable. The shadowing and use of contrasting white ”rain” against the darker background drawing is the strongest in terms of atmosphere and locale. “Pax” is a novel that will touch your heart. It is suitable for the target age group as well as anyone who loves an outstanding story. I recommend that parents or grandparents read “Pax” before sharing it with younger, advanced readers or with those in the target age group who may be very sensitive.

Being an animal lover, I was drawn by the quiet beauty of this book’s cover. Who couldn’t love a small red fox, sitting atop a wooded ridge, and looking out over the fields and valleys below him? Having not read any reviews of this book (shame on me), I expected a cute tale of a fox’s romp through the woods. What I got was a story of life and learning to depend on one’s self. Twelve year old Peter has been caring for Pax, a 5 year old red fox, since the animal was merely a few days old. The fox’s mother and sibling were killed and the kit was left to fend for itself. Peter brought it home, named it Pax, and they became the best of friends. Each worried about the other when they were separated even for a short time (think school day). One day Peter’s father announces that since he’s enlisted in an ongoing war, Peter must go to live with his grandfather. And Pax must be returned to the wild to fend for himself. For an animal whose only life has been one of semi-domestication, the reality of life is crushing. Enemies and predators on all sides drive the fox the near starvation. But a meeting with a vixen – Bristle – and her younger brother Runt – changes Pax’s life. Brushes with the war-sick (soldiers) and their devious and deadly ways introduce Pax to the harsh realities of life. He yearns for his boy, fearing only the worst for the lad at the hands of the soldiers. Through it all the fox never loses hope that they will be reunited. It doesn’t take long for young Peter to realize that he should never have left Pax in the wilderness. He worries how the domesticated animal will forage for food and water; and what of the coyotes who will look upon Pax as a meal? How will his buddy outwit them? Peter leaves a note for his grandfather and takes off on the 300 mile trek back to where Pax was left. But it won’t be an easy journey as he soon learns. For both Peter and Pax, this separation is a journey inward, into their deepest well of self-reliance. Peter must learn to set himself free of memories of his mother and find his inner strength; he must adapt to working with others and seeing that he’s not the only one carrying a burden that prevents his growth. Pax must adapt to the ways of the wild – searching and killing for food, making alliances that will keep him alive, trusting his instincts, and hardening himself to the wily guiles of the soldiers. Pax is not a typical Young Adult book in that it can be bleak and dark; but it will help youngsters learn about loss, grief, and ultimately death. War is never an easy topic and we are most often provided with its impact on human life. This story brings us the other side of war – we see how it affects even the smallest of God’s creatures. I would caution parents to read the book first to determine the suitability for sensitive youngsters. Pax by Sara Pennypacker is destined to be a classic. There is a second volume called Pax: The Journey Home that I hope to read soon.

I was drawn to this book because I live where there are foxes and I find them fascinating. Though this may be considered a middle school book and I am in my 70’s, I decided to try it anyway. After all, when my child was in middle school, there were a lot of books we shared that I really enjoyed. I was glad I gave it a try, because I found it an utterly charming and endearing story. I will immediately go on to the second book to see what happens to the characters next. And speaking of characters, I must say that the author was very adept at creating believable, and interesting characters (human and animal) whom I know will stay in my mind for a long time. The observations on war and humans’ effect on nature are quite thought provoking, and I think excellent food for thought for younger readers. I highly recommend this book!

This is not an illustrated book, rather a book with a few chapter heading type illustrations. I was disappointed as Klassen is one of my favorite illustrators.

Quick delivery in great condition thanks

Che storia incredibile! Ho comprato il libro per le illustrazioni di Jon Klassen, sono rimasta conquistata dalla storia. Adatto a qualsiasi età e a qualsiasi lettore voglia emozionarsi insieme a Peter e Pax.

Amazing

Easy read with a great story line. Heartfelt. I would have my 12 yr old read this book. I read it so we could talk about it after.

I was so excited to receive this book, but unfortunately, the edge cut unevenly, and I am so disappointed