When a friend gave me this book, I thought it was just going to be one of those conventional picture books I would enjoy reading to the kids at bedtime.
After opening the first few pages, I knew right away it was so much more than that. This was going to be one of my all-time favorites…
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy disarms you almost immediately from the first page with its lyrical illustrations, beautiful calligraphy and child-like conversations.
It starts off with a “Hello” and ambles on easily into a voyage of friendship between the four main characters and their wanderings into the wild (“I think the wild is a bit like life—frightening sometimes but beautiful”), and lots of questions (“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind”, says the boy)…and oh, did I mention, there’s a lot of musings about cake, too.
“I’ve learned how to be in the present.”
“How?” asked the boy.
“I find a quiet spot and shut my eyes and breathe.”
“That’s good, and then?”
“Then I focus.”
“What do you focus on?”
“Cake,” said the mole.
The author admits, “It’s surprising that I’ve made a book because I’m not good at reading them. The truth is I need pictures, they are like islands, places to get to in a sea of words.”—which probably explains why the 126 pages of the book are a visual feast for the senses.
Beautifully illustrated and heartwarmingly uncomplicated, this book was a surprise New York Times bestseller when it was first published at the tailend of 2019.
According to Penguin Random House, “with its message of empathy and self-care, artist Charlie Mackesy’s quiet picture book has captured the shared longing of our troubled times.”
He wields pen ink and watercolor in a way that is both sweet and touching…tugging at your heartstrings “whether you are eighty or eight.”
“Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy.
“Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you, and love brings you home.”
Mindfully sprinkled within his beautiful depictions, his words are unassuming, easily understood by children; but are also brilliantly deep and wise, offering hope and comfort to the over eight crowd.
“What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
For these uncertain times, this book peels back layers of fear and doubt to answer lingering questions with child-like hope, clarity and simplicity.
An uplifting and beautiful read to add to your nightstand stack of books. Definitely one of my all-time faves.
Highly recommended as a wonderful keepsake, living book or literary bridge to read with your children.
Currently available on Amazon.
