Pax

The themes apparent in PAX make it a book that won't fit every reader. Themes of loss and grief, anger and personal responsibility, and war and survival make the book a compelling one, but not the easiest book to read. Because of those themes, I recommend that the book is one that deserves a lot of discussion between children and adults. Pax is the pet fox of a young boy named Peter. As the story opens Peter's father is forcing him to get rid of the fox before he goes to live with his grandfather while his father is in the army. Peter is heartbroken about this but doesn't want to incur his father's anger by continuing to refuse. Pax is utterly confused when his boy tosses his toy for him to retrieve and then isn't there when he comes back with it. Both Pax and Peter are forced to face difficult situations and choices. Pax must find a way to survive while waiting for his boy to return (he's sure Peter will come). And Peter determines that the right thing to do is to go find his fox. Neither character's journey is an easy one and the consequences of war must be faced by both of them.Once Peter sets out to travel about three-hundred miles to find his fox, he discovers that it's going to be a lot harder than he expected, especially after he breaks his foot. A lonely isolated farmer named Vola reluctantly agrees to help Peter on his way, despite his foot, but only with conditions. As Vola helps Peter get stronger, she also teaches him about the costs of war (she's a disabled veteran) as well as wood carving and marionette story telling. Meanwhile, Pax is learning about thirst and hunger and the dangers of humans as the war creeps ever closer to where he is waiting. When he runs into a vixen and her little brother, Runt, who have had really bad experiences with humans, he starts to realize that the world he is in now is very different than the one he knew before. As both Peter and Pax (the story alternates between the two characters) learn and grow, they start to change making the ending rather bittersweet (in other words, not a happily ever after sort of story). As the story goes on the sort of relationship Peter has with his father becomes clear as do the events that lead to his mother's death that continue to haunt and grieve the boy.Klassen's black and white illustrations match up well with the solemn tone of the story. They show just how alone Peter and Pax feel during major parts of the story, and how that gradually changes.This book has a great deal of depth to it as it deals with issues that have become all to common in the world. While the book contains a great deal of sadness, there is also hope as Peter learns to face his pain and responsibility and Pax learns to survive despite the horrible conditions around him. Pennypacker does a great job keeping to story child appropriate, but several animals are killed/injured by land mines. A thoughtful book that I recommend with the caveat that you consider carefully whether it is appropriate for your child.

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.

Buen libro, recomendado para niños mayores de 10 años, me encantó el papel y detalle de las hojas

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.

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.

My goodness, our hearts ached during this book. What a lovely story of loyalty.

A história de Pax e Peter é repleta de coragem, amor, verdade e falsidade. Tem seus momentos de amadurecer, assim como se tornar forte e aceitar certas coisas. O livro chegou em perfeito estado e acredito que as páginas tem um corte diferenciado propositalmente, seguindo uma estética selvagem.