Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Pax

by Sara Pennypacker

A moving story of the extraordinary friendship between a boy and his fox, and their epic journey to be reunited. Beautifully illustrated by multi-award winner, Jon Klassen.

Pax was only a kit when his family was killed and he was rescued by `his boy', Peter. Now the country is at war and when his father enlists, Peter has no choice but to move in with his grandfather. Far worse than leaving home is the fact that he has to leave Pax behind. But before Peter spends even one night under his grandfather's roof he sneaks out into the night, determined to find his beloved friend. This is the story of Peter, Pax, and their journeys back to each other as war rampages throughout the country.

A profound and moving story with stunning illustrations by award-winning illustrator, Jon Klassen, `Pax' is destined to become a classic in the vein of `Charlotte's Web' and `Watership Down'.

Reviewed by Kat @ Novels & Waffles on

3 of 5 stars

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Although I was expecting this to be a simple feel-good Old Yeller sort of book about a kid and his pet fox, a lot of deep themes were artfully discussed, such as the true cost of war and how to deal with grief.

That being said, the ending was so lackluster and abrupt. We spent the entire book following Pax and Peter's journey back to each other, and when they're finally reunited...it suddenly ends. Without any fanfare. I was expecting something more touching and overly emotional, as is usually the case with these sort of animal/pet stories. But the story just...ended.

⚠️Trigger + Content Warnings ⚠️ War, Death of a Loved One, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 4 January, 2020: Finished reading
  • 4 January, 2020: Reviewed