This is the second in a series of blog posts on some good books that I have come across while teaching a variety of classes. (I have purchased these books myself and do not receive sponsorship/freebies for reviewing them!)
The second book is 'Pax', a new-ish book to me. It is one that I really enjoyed reading myself. It is written by Sara Pennypacker and has lovely illustrations by Jon Klassen.
Theme/Overview
The main theme of this book is friendship. It is about two friends who are separated, it just so happens that one of them is a boy (Peter) and one is a fox (Pax).In order to be reunited, both of them face many obstacles including war (yet war is not the main focus of the book). The book explores how true friendships can overcome even the most difficult and dangerous situations.
I particularly liked how it is written from perspective of both Peter and Pax, in alternate chapters. Personally, I would do this with a senior class as it does refer to war from time to time. It is important to note it does deal with the loss of a parent so may not be suitable to do if a child has experienced such a loss.
Activities/Ideas
- Research foxes- create a report piece of writing (click on image to get blank templates)
- Use the book as a stimulus to explore the theme of war (book does not specify which war)
- Fill a backpack (Peter brought some useful items and treasured possessions with him), ask the children what they would bring. They could draw a backpack with their chosen items inside.
- Visualisations: This story lends itself nicely to working on the comprehension strategy of visualisation.
- Traits of a good friend: Discuss the important traits of a good friend.
- Friendship recipe: similar to the idea above, choose the most important traits of friendship.
- My pet: Discuss or complete a project on their pets and their favourite things about them. If some children don't have pets try the next activity.
- If I could have any pet it would be.....
- Read the poem 'The Dentist and the Crocodile' by Roald Dahl
- Do some art inspired by foxes!
Check out the other Books Worth a Look posts:
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