《小狐狸派克斯》

Sara Pennypacker’s 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.

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.

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 war occurred 20 years previously and a realization — by both Peter and Pax — that each must be true to his own nature create an emotional, poignant* story that will touch your heart.

Writing in the third person voice, Pennypacker alternates the focus 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. The reader watches Peter grow in his understanding of himself and of others.

(SD-Agencies)