The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: A Great Gift for Book Lovers

Beautiful book. Lovely illustrations and story.

It's a beautiful book. Was so timely to read as I prepared to go back to work. It's a great story that I have shared with all ages, teenagers and adults - all whom have enjoyed the inspirational and encouraging read.

Purchased 2 books for gifts. The book is very heartwarming especially for someone you care about. All life’s happiness comes from within.

Beautifully written and such a joy to read this book. I loved the illustrations and the quality of the pages.

Excellent books, especially when you have seen the animated film. They are for all age groups, children through to all adults. They can be dipped into, whenever you want and can be re-read throughout life. The drawings speak as well as the words, they are delightful. Especially helpful for adolescents. Enjoy

This is a beautiful powerful and wonderfully illustrated book and many ways of looking at the story 💜

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse is a truly special book, one that manages to be gentle, profound and uplifting all at once. I first discovered it through the television adaptation that aired at Christmas a few years ago, and was struck by how faithfully it conveyed the same warmth and quiet wisdom that runs through the pages of the original. The book itself feels almost meditative. Rather than following a conventional storyline, it unfolds as a series of conversations and reflections - small lessons that revolve around kindness, love, courage and self-acceptance. The slightly fragmented structure feels entirely intentional, giving the sense of discovering truth in moments rather than in a single narrative thread. It’s a format that works beautifully when reading aloud with children, allowing for pauses and discussion along the way. Visually, it’s stunning. The illustrations are expressive and full of character, perfectly complementing the text and amplifying its emotion. There’s a tangible quality to the artwork - the brushwork, ink and spacing all feel personal, as though each page was crafted by hand. The overall production of the book is excellent too: high-quality paper, elegant typography and a sense of care in every detail. What stands out most is its sincerity. It’s a book that offers gentle reassurance and hope without ever feeling sentimental or forced. In our household, it’s become one we return to often - sometimes to read together, sometimes just to look through quietly.

Gorgeous book and gift

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.

“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!!!

It is a very lovely, very quick read. Common sense in a world no longer using it. Spend the 5 or 10 minutes to read it.