Pax, Journey Home (international edition)

Despite this series being recommended for children, I happened to chance upon "Pax" the first book and was quickly charmed into tale of a boy and his fox. The second book delivers that same familiar charm but it also tackles some more mature themes of grief, depression, forgiveness, family, and coming of age. It was a delightful read all the way through and I was delighted to learn more about Peter and Pax's storylines. Would definitely recommend this series to anyone, youth or adult!

I gave a one star.it is not about the conent of the book. Very poor quality even I ordered the replacements. The pages are poorly cut and hard to flipped. i have to return all of them. My daughter is very disappointed since she saw the book at first sight and said she likes them. Have to go to the store and buy them now.

In this sequel to PAX, author Sara Pennypacker picks up the story several months after Pax the fox and Peter, his boy, go their separate ways. The war is over (or has moved on). But the damage has been done. The river, the source of lifegiving water, has been poisoned with the chemical remains of bombs and war in general. Peter decides to join the Junior Water Warriors whose goal is to help restore the river and make it safe for the wildlife once more. But Peter is secretly going back to the home he was forced to leave when his father joined the military. Especially now, since Peter’s grandfather has learned that Peter’s father died in an obvious attempt at theft and desertion. Peter wants nothing more than to experience once more the peace and quiet and familiarity of his own home. He plans to fix up the place and make it his, even though he’s only fourteen and most likely won’t be allowed to live by himself.Pax is a bit older too. In the ensuing months he and Bristle and her brother Runt have become a family. As we rejoin them, Bristle is giving birth to their kits – two boys and a girl. Pax learns the responsibility of being a father very quickly when his daughter proves to be inquisitive and feisty. She soon gets into trouble and it is up to Pax to save her.There are meetings between Pax and Peter along the river. These meetings are just what they both need. Pax has renewed his bond with his boy. Peter finds new strength from their time together as well. But it is a near tragedy that proves their trust in each other.Like book one, Pax Journey Home is a book about friendship, family, survival, grief, kindness, caring, trust, and love. It is a coming of age story for both human and fox. Written with an eloquence of words that moves the reader along with anticipation, this is a book for all ages that will give parents the opportunity to discuss with their children the life lessons to be learned. Adults will find it a refreshing view on those life lessons we sometimes forget. The story is beautifully illustrated by Jon Klassen.It will help the reader to have read book one – Pax – before beginning this one. However, Pax Journey Home can work as a stand-alone book as well. Both books are destined to be classics. Above all else, it teaches us that family isn’t always blood-related.

I am so pleased with this read, and no spoilers but the sequel, in my opinion, is even better. My kids loved this as a read aloud. We had such fantastic discussions. The themes of grief and regret (some might say war, but I’m not sure war is a theme as much as a circumstance which anchors to the theme) and how it affects children, hearts, adults, relationships, the body, etc. is so well woven and easily perceived while also being very contemplative, thus the ‘good for diverse ages’ comment. It’s true literature with deeper tones, but a story line that captures the reader without harming young readers with content that is out of place or shocking for shocking sake, in my opinion. Some reviews feel the author was vague in reference to war as far as why and where, etc. These readers may be wanting more historical literature rather than philosophical. Don’t let that scare you away with young readers (my five kids range from 8 to 16 and they all loved it), as I said this draws you in rightly with the kindred and relatable story + love between a pet and his boy. You will find yourself empathizing and relating to the themes even if you’ve never experienced the circumstances. I highly recommend this purchase, and I’ve received no incentive to do so.

I fell in love with the story of Pax and Peter years ago when it was released. While I loved the story then, I really wasn't thinking that I needed more. Was I wrong! Pax, Journey Home came at a perfect time for me personally and was just what Pax and Peter needed, in my opinion.Pax is now a father responsible for kits and Peter is struggling with really finding himself and coming to terms with what he thinks family is and what he needs, or doesn't need, from family. Their separate journeys converge in a fantastic way.This is my favorite Sara Pennypacker book to date and one I would recommend to my students (upper elementary) and anyone who loves a good animal/child connection story that goes a little deeper than the surface story.