Book Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a beautifully illustrated and deeply heartfelt book that transcends traditional genres. Though it may appear, at first glance, to be a children’s book, its wisdom, tenderness, and emotional resonance speak to readers of all ages. It’s a gentle, meditative journey through life’s joys and struggles, told through the unlikely friendship of four very different characters.
The story doesn’t follow a conventional plot. Instead, it’s more a series of conversations and quiet moments between the boy and the three animals he meets along the way. Each character represents different facets of the human experience. The boy is full of questions and wonder, the mole is obsessed with cake and unashamedly curious, the fox is silent and wary due to past hurt, and the horse is majestic, wise, and gentle.
What makes this book remarkable is its simplicity. Mackesy’s handwritten text and loose, expressive ink-and-watercolour illustrations create a sense of warmth and sincerity that invites readers to pause and reflect. The white space on the pages mirrors the contemplative nature of the book, encouraging us to slow down—a rare and welcome invitation in today’s busy world.
Throughout the book, Mackesy offers insights into love, kindness, vulnerability, and courage. Many of the quotes have already become beloved maxims. Lines such as “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said? ‘Help,’” and “Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses,” carry enormous emotional weight in their simplicity. These messages are never preachy or sentimental; instead, they feel like truths we’ve always known but forgotten how to say out loud.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its emotional accessibility. Readers going through grief, uncertainty, anxiety, or simply needing comfort will find solace here. There is no cynicism in Mackesy’s work—only hope, gentleness, and the affirmation that we are not alone. The characters are flawed and real in a way that feels honest, not idealised.
Critics may argue that the book is overly simplistic or lacks a structured narrative, but that’s precisely its strength. It isn’t meant to be read cover to cover in one sitting, though you certainly can; rather, it invites dipping into, rereading, and reflecting. It’s the kind of book you leave on a bedside table or coffee table, returning to it when you need a moment of peace or clarity.
Ultimately, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a quiet masterpiece a reminder of the beauty of kindness, the importance of connection, and the strength found in vulnerability. Charlie Mackesy has created not just a book, but a companion for life’s more difficult days. In a world that often feels chaotic and unkind, this book offers a gentle, unwavering light.
Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has made an extraordinary impact on The Sunday Times bestsellers list. Since its publication in October 2019, it has been a #1 Sunday Times Bestseller numerous times and holds the record as the longest-running Sunday Times hardback chart-topper to date!
