The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

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.

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.

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

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.

I love the story of this book. I got it for several of my grandkids' families to read together. It has a beautiful message to read together & discuss. I don't like that it's written in cursive throughout though, like with a marker. It did not explain that in the description which would have been useful. Some states don't even teach cursive any more which makes the book inaccessible to those who would benefit most from it. Enchanting illustrations that are quite beautiful. I'm looking for the book 2 in this series coming out in the fall which I will also purchase. I plan on buying more copies as more of my grandkids grow out of the toddler state. & are in elementary school though adults will enjoy this book also. It's even better when sharing it with young ones in your family.

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 LOVE this book and have given copies away as gifts to people who mean a lot to me! I always hope that it speaks to their soul as it does to mine!! Wish such a book had been available when I was growing up. It is SO special in the way that it is able to speak to all ages , young or old! Charlie is so humble, just love his introduction. He is such a talented artist and his illustrations are perfect, simple and a lovely addition to his message which addresses insecurities in such an empathetic way.

I have given this book to soooo many friends. It is beautifully written and I love the illustrations. I just ordered 2 more copies and it is a little different and I don’t like the illustrations as well but it is still a beautiful book. Sandy

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.

Beautiful book in every way. Inspirational insights, and super artwork. A real delight.

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