Pax is a fox. He’s a lucky fox, as he was rescued by a young boy named Peter when he was only a cub. Peter and Pax are inseparable. Their bond immense. But war has come, and Peter’s dad must leave to fight. Peter has to go live with his grandpa over 300 miles away, and Pax can’t come. Peter is forced to let Pax go.

The story begins with 12-year-old Peter in the backseat of the car with Pax. As a fox, Pax is smart. He’s hyper-aware of his surroundings, hearing and feeling everything ahead of his human owner. Pax knows the car is slowing down as he can feel the vibrations change. He looks at his boy with love and trust.

The first chapter of this book ripped my heart out. But I continued and found hope was soon ignited as Peter realises how wrong it was to be forced to abandon Pax. He sneaks out of the house and sets out to find his fox.

With alternate chapters we follow Peter and Pax as they embark on their quest to be together again. Each is thrown into a world that is unfamiliar; Peter travels alone having adventures and traversing great distances. Pax is suddenly alone in a world that is completely new, but somehow innately familiar. Pax’s voice is believable, and I found myself connecting with this beautiful fox as he makes discoveries and survives through his senses and skills he was born with.

This is a book with an almost a fairytale-like quality to it. The war has a slightly dystopian feel, but this is a very minor feature of the book.

Sara Pennypacker offers a beautiful story that opens with a wrench but blossoms into a tale of love, dedication and the determination of two friends to be reunited. A special little book and one to be treasured.

Reviewed by Rowena Morcom
Age Guide 8+