Peter has tried to keep busy since the day he left Pax behind. It’s been a year, and a difficult one. Vola has been supportive of Peter building his own room on her property, watching him give attention to detail on his project. Peter’s grandfather, still gruff and hard-hearted, has kept his emotional distance, even after Peter lost his dad too.

When Vola announces a decision she has made for his future, he backs away from it, from her, scared of the strengthening connection between them. Connection is love. It’s family. In Peter’s eyes, it’s the path to even more hurt. As he built his log house, he builds a hard place in his heart – somewhere no one can get in.

He decides it’s time to leave, announcing that he is going to join the Water Warriors. These are people keen to repair the land and water left scarred, ravaged and poisoned by the war. He has plans after his time with them too.

Among these eco-warriors, his forest skills excel. Thinking being busy, trekking miles and working every day will push out memories of lost parents and his best friend Pax, he discovers he was wrong. Especially after meeting a water-loving warrior named Jade.

In the meantime, Pax has his new family to look after. His mate Bristle and their three kits. Two males and a female. Living on an abandoned farm has been safe and peaceful, but humans return bringing fire and fear. He must find them a new home. Without realising it, he is being followed on his quest.

Both Peter and Pax’s journey’s intersect along the way. Pax can smell him, and Peter has heard of foxes in the area. Could it be Pax?

No matter how hard Peter tries to turn his heart to stone, slivers of kindness, nature’s wonder and raw memory inch their way in. Especially when his best friend needs him the most.

A heart-tugging sequel to Pax, this is a story of redemption, forgiveness, dealing with grief and simple kindness. The powerful love between a boy and his fox best friend hasn’t died, in fact it’s even stronger than before and is what saves them both.

An environmental string weaves through this story, as eco warriors clear the war torn land of invasive plants and poisoned waters. Their movements mould Pax and Peter’s movements and also help heal these friends.

Told in alternate viewpoints, each chapter begins with a silhouette of a boy or a fox, clearly indicating who we are with for that chapter.

Sobering but morphing into inexplicably gorgeous.

Author – Sara Pennypacker

Illustrator – Jon Klassen

Age – 8+

Teaching Guide here

Read a review for the first book in this duology (Click on the cover)

(2021, Harper Collins, Sequel, Animals, Fox, Love, Pet, Wild, Grief, Memory, Memories, Loss, Kindness, Environment, War, Home, Redemption, Poisoned water, Kits, Vixen, Family)