The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: Inspiring Conversations on Hope, Love and Personal Growth

Very simply written with profound thoughts that cause one to stop and ponder. The illustrations are unique and fun. A fun book to have out for others to enjoy.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is one of those rare books that feels like a warm hug every time you open it. The illustrations are simple yet powerful, and the short, heartfelt messages about hope, kindness, and love resonate with readers of all ages. I first read the book and was deeply moved by its gentle wisdom, then later watched the Apple TV film with my family, and we loved both. The film brings the characters to life while keeping the same heart and quiet beauty of the book. It was just as moving, with a comforting tone that stayed true to the original. The hardcover edition feels special and gift-worthy, with quality pages that make it a joy to flip through slowly. This is the kind of book you can read in one sitting or keep nearby to revisit whenever you need encouragement. If you’re looking for something uplifting to share with loved ones, this is a treasure in both print and film form.

Absolutely love this book! It’s simple, loving, and such an easy read. My kids love it too, which makes it even more special. I’ve read it a dozen times already, and each time a different page stands out to me in a meaningful way. The illustrations are also so unique and beautiful. This is definitely a book we’ll keep coming back to again and again.

Great for all ages, a wonderful gift! The words, the energy, the artwork. Sensational

After "meeting" the delightfully disarming author of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, on a morning show, I had to support Charlie Mackesy. The book sounded as disarming and delightful as the man, so I bought it. Little did I know how deep and emotionally satisfying this thin little volume would be. On my first reading I stopped halfway through and ordered copies for my daughter, my best friend and my granddaughter. I had to share the joy it brought to me. In gently presented prose consisting of kind one-liners, the philosophy of living a good life, loving oneself, being kind to others, living forgiveness of others and self, and being both satisfied and hopeful unroll like a Taoist scroll—or a gem of a book found in an ancient jar in a Middle Eastern cave. That possibly makes it sound stodgy or preachy, but it most definitely is not. It is soul-satisfying in a way that seemed inspired. This is no self-help book. It is a tale that opens you up to wisdom and peace. The wisdom is ancient, God-like and deeply personal. It is as if a beloved and long-dead grandfather is whispering universal truths through the mole, the fox and the horse, as each learns, imparts knowledge and comes to trust the boy and each other. It is a catechism. The characters, usually the boy, ask questions and someone provides an answer your soul didn't even know it was seeking. This deceptively simple little volume is filled with deceptively simple line drawings and script, all produced by an accidental philosopher-artist living in a stone hut in the English countryside like a hermit priest. I find myself reading the book over and over, flipping to favorite sections when I need comfort or reassurance. I used to search Psalms or Romans this way. My Lutheran soul worries I am turning to secular comfort, but I still hear God's voice in Charlie's words, so I relax and listen with my whole heart. The words speaking to my soul are Good. Goodness is a theme. As are love, kindness, patience, gentleness. Aren't all these qualities from a Divine source, no matter whose god is speaking? Now, that was a non-Lutheran statement if I ever heard one! But maybe it should be embraced and valued by all. Grace and Truth, like Love and Forgiveness are universal—or they should be. Maybe I am wrong about Charlie, that gentle man in the stone hut. Instead of being a philosopher, perhaps he is a prophet. I like to think so... St. Charlie. Yes, that has a ring to it. His book has the markings, after all.

I really love this book. I have bought it for friends, their kids, or even coworkers. It’s a book you can read and appreciate as a kid or adult. I find this book helpful to ground me in being practical, caring, and thoughtful in my life.

Do you know someone who is having a tough time? This wonderful little book would mean a lot. I received this as a birthday present a month ago and since then I have given two more away. What a wonderful, simple message. And what fabulous, simple artwork. Can you sketch three quick lines and create a perfect fox? I know I can't. And I can hardly think of anyone of any age who would not find this message to be perfection itself. Go buy this book!

Delightful story!

The book arrived promptly. It had some slight marks on the cover which were easily removed with an eraser. The finish is as expected for a nice, hardcover book. The font was a bit annoying to read but there were quaint little touches which made up for this. For instance, inside both the front and back covers were a piece of music, which I'm assuming is the theme for the story. I got my son to play it for me so I can hear it in its entirety. It was melodic, and matches the general gist of the tale. All in all, the story closely resembles Winnie the Pooh. It is an abstract tale with inspirational nuggets and makes for an easy read, can be completed in less than hour, perhaps even half of that. However, I will take my time as it is a leisure story, to be enjoyed slowly. It makes for a great present to someone who is a bit down and in need of some cheer. The story is simple, about kindness, compassion and self-discovery. However, it would also be suitable for people who enjoy art, pretty and cute things, as well as subdued splashes of colour in their lives (both literally & figuratively). I got it for myself, after seeing a copy at a friend's place. However, it undoubtedly would be a great, ageless gift for someone and makes for a wonderful addition to any shelf. This is not a book to be bought as a digital version but for book lovers who love the smell and sensations that comes with holding a solid, 3D book in their hands. It certainly is an inspirational, feel-good book. Well done to Mackesy for his artistic creation!

A simple yet meaningful book. Good for all ages.

Davvero un libro carinissimo da possedere o da regalare. Una storia per bambini ma consiglierei la lettura anche a un pubblico adulto. Io ho visto questo libro in un negozietto ad Amsterdam e mi sono innamorata, l’ho poi acquistato qui in lingua inglese. Lo ricomprerò sicuramente per regalarlo. Bellissima anche la copertina, stupende le illustrazioni.

Un très beau livre pour les adultes et pour les enfants. Les dessins sont beaux

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work. There is no time for despair, no place for self-pity, no need for silence, no room for fear. We speak, we write, we do language. That is how civilizations heal” - Toni Morrison Oftentimes, people question “what is the role of art in these times of social distancing and over-connection?” Surely, it cannot stop the climate crisis or provide a cure for virus. Nevertheless, art is an antidote in times of chaos, it allows us to examine what it means to be human, to voice, to create, to express, and to bring people together. The arts create wellness in our day-to-day lives by helping us process our lives individually and allowing us to come together collectively. And in times of uncertainty, art amplifies important voices and messages. One such powerful voice is that of Charlie Mackesy, spreading hope and positive cheer through his art. The most transformative power of art is its ability to redeem and guide us on dark days. It is an essential tool that provides us with a sense of perspective. And Charlie Mackesy’s book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” certainly does that and also guides people towards light in these darkest of our days. I guess that’s the power of any art form...to create art is to create hope. It all began on Instagram. His pen-and-ink drawings about a little boy and his animal friends literally took the world by storm. As the whole world was grappling with so much fear and uncertainty during pandemic times, his gentle words of profound wisdom provided the much needed reassurance and hope to people across the world. “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” is a touching tale of a curious boy and his journey through the countryside, finding companionship: first meeting the mole, then the fox and finally the horse. Their adventures in the wilderness are brought to life by the author’s own exquisite illustrations. I wish their adventures would continue, so we can have many sequels about their adventures. The fox is generally silent; the mole and the horse offer some reassurance and wisdom. As they walk, the new friends talk, wonder, share their hopes and fears and also pose some big questions: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “kind” said the boy “What do we do when our hearts hurt? asked the boy “we wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again” said the horse I found many such uplifting words of wisdom in this exquisitely illustrated book: “Sometimes all we feel is tired and frightened but there is more strength and love in us than you can possibly imagine” said the horse. Sometimes, it’s the simplest of things that can touch us the deepest. This exceptional book will only take 10-15minutes of your life but will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Perhaps that’s where it's appeal lies; people took ownership of this tale in different ways. "What is the bravest thing you've ever said? asked the boy "help" said the horse Charlie’s art is pinned up in hospitals, schools, homes all over the world. In fact, the above lines with illustration have become an effective tool for discussions around mental health. Charlie’s art makes you feel that “it’s ok to be vulnerable and to ask for help” Charlie’s illustrations resonate with people across the world...from an 8yr old to 80yrs old. I guess it just touched a raw nerve with people...with its childlike simplicity which is refreshingly simple. This book has become a world wide “publishing phenomenon” as it was released during Covid time. This book was like a balm to nervous and anxious people around the world. When there was so much uncertainty, hopelessness looming over the world...this book and his IG posts were like a breath of fresh air...calming people’s hearts and souls. Since its publication in Oct 2019, this book has sold over 1.4 million copies world wide, becoming an invaluable source of comfort and positivity during a year like no other. This hardcover is one of the most beautiful books I have read till date! The print is amazing, the illustrations are wonderful and the quality of the paper is amazing. Reading this book will take you back to your art classes in school days with colouring book in hand. Reading this book was a visual experience! I'm glad I invested in a hardcopy as this book is a work of art and it needs to be treasured and cherished. It is a timeless classic and one I will definitely reread for months and years!!! It is certainly one of my best reads in 2021. And it is a wonderful and heart-warming picture book, with incredible and uplifting messages!!! This book has come to mean different things to different people. For some, this book was a source of strength and for others, it gave them hope. As for me, this book is like a little bit of treasure. It’s the type of book you pick up when you feel like you need something warm and cosy at the end of a long day to unwind peacefully. I couldn’t be more grateful to the author for writing this timeless classic. Thank you Charlie. Read it!!! And get in touch with that inner child in you... Amazon’s service was top notch! This book was delivered within a day of placing my order. There was not even a scratch on the cover and was brand new (thanks to the seller for amazing packing). Kudos to the team!!!