Title: Pax
Author: Sara Pennypacker
First published February 2, 2016
278 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780062377012 (ISBN10: 0062377019)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
When Peter’s family is torn apart by tragedy, he rescues a young fox kit and raises him as his own. Pax becomes Peter’s closest companion and confidant, but when war threatens their homeland, Peter is forced to leave Pax behind with a heavy heart.
As Peter embarks on a perilous journey with his father, he can’t shake the feeling that he’s abandoned his best friend. But when he learns that Pax is in danger, Peter sets out on a dangerous quest to bring him home.
Told from both Peter and Pax’s perspectives, this heartwarming tale is a testament to the power of friendship and the unbreakable bond between a boy and his fox.
Editoral Review
Pax by Sara Pennypacker is a heartwarming and poignant novel about the bond between a boy and his pet fox. Pennypacker is an award-winning children’s author who is well known for her works such as the Clementine series and Summer of the Gypsy Moths.
The book is classified as a children’s novel, and it was first published on February 2, 2016. The story is set in an unspecified time and place, but it paints a vivid picture of two characters, Peter and Pax, who are deeply connected with one another.
Peter is a 12-year-old boy whose father has enlisted in the military. As a result, he is being forced to leave his beloved pet fox, Pax, in the woods.
Pax, who has been a faithful and loyal companion, is now lost and unsure about his future without Peter. The novel is split into alternating perspectives between Peter and Pax, who each face their own unique challenges.
Pennypacker masterfully crafts her characters, creating two distinct voices that are authentic to their personalities. Peter, who is struggling to come to terms with his father’s absence, is a relatable protagonist for children who may be going through a similar experience.
Pax, on the other hand, is a fascinating character with wild instincts that are both endearing and dangerous. The author’s prose is beautiful, and the themes she explores are universal.
The novel deals with issues of loss, loyalty, friendship, and the bond between humans and animals. At its core, Pax is a novel about the power of love and compassion.
One of the strengths of the book is the setting. The lush forests and rugged landscapes are vividly described, and the author creates a rich and immersive environment for the reader to lose themselves in.
Additionally, the portrayal of the fox is impressive, as Pax is depicted realistically, with his primal instincts and behavior. Despite its virtues, Pax has some flaws.
Some readers may find the plot predictable, and others may be disappointed at the resolution of the book’s central conflict. Nevertheless, the strengths of the book outweigh its limitations, and it remains an emotionally resonant and entertaining work of literature.
Pax is a must-read for both children and adults who love animal stories and tales of friendship. It is a beautiful and heartfelt novel that will leave readers with a sense of hope and a renewed appreciation for the life around us.
Pennypacker’s work is a valuable addition to the literary canon, and it reminds us of the profound impact that love and kindness can have on the world. On a scale of 1-10, I would give Pax an 8.5, and I recommend it for readers of all ages.
