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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: Inspiring Conversations on Hope, Love and Personal Growth Hardcover – October 22, 2019
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Charlie Mackesy’s beloved The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been adapted into an Academy Award® winning animated short film, now available to stream on Apple TV+
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER · WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER · USA TODAY BESTSELLER
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is not only a thought-provoking, discussion-worthy story, the book itself is an object of art.”- Elizabeth Egan, The New York Times
From British illustrator, artist, and author Charlie Mackesy comes a journey for all ages that explores life’s universal lessons, featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.
“Kind,” said the boy.
Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with readers of all ages.
- Reading age7+ years, from customers
- Print length128 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- Dimensions6 x 0.62 x 8 inches
- PublisherHarperOne
- Publication dateOctober 22, 2019
- ISBN-100062976583
- ISBN-13978-0062976581
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Frequently bought together

Frequently purchased items with fast delivery
- “We have such a long way to go,” sighed the boy.Highlighted by 6 Kindle readers
- “Isn’t it odd. We can only see our outsides, but nearly everything happens on the inside.”Highlighted by 5 Kindle readers
- “Everyone is a bit scared,” said the horse. “But we are less scared together.”Highlighted by 5 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse: Fifth Anniversary Edition
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse: The Animated Story
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
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The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Deluxe (Yellow) Edition
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Customer Reviews |
4.8 out of 5 stars 125,753
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4.8 out of 5 stars 3,417
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4.8 out of 5 stars 125,753
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4.8 out of 5 stars 125,753
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Price | $13.71$13.71 | $17.66$17.66 | $10.49$10.49 | $13.71$13.71 |
This limited edition celebrates the five year anniversary of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse with gold gilded page edges, a midnight blue cloth spine, and a sky blue ribbon marker and features new illustrations. | A special edition celebrating the work of over 100 animators across two years of production that brought Charlie's illustrations to life in the Academy Award and BAFTA-winning Animated Short Film, now streaming on AppleTV+. | A New York Times bestseller for over four years running. This classic edition follows the story of four unlikely friends as they journey together discovering their most important life lessons about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. | A special spring-time edition of the original New York Times Bestseller, featuring special endpapers and a cheerful yellow spine. | |
Have to be read in order? | No | No | No | No |
Genre | Fiction | Fiction | Fiction | Fiction |
Editorial Reviews
Review
“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is not only a thought-provoking, discussion-worthy story, the book itself is an object of art.”
— New York Times
“The world that I long to inhabit is the one that Charlie Mackesy has created – a world of infinite kindness, wisdom, mutual care and tenderness, and true love between real friends. My prayer/hope is that our world will become more like this one.” — Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic
"I felt this book down to my core." — Hoda Kotb
"Love, friendship, and kindness--this book speaks a universal language." — Bear Grylls
"A wonderful work of art and a wonderful window into the human heart" — Richard Curtis
"Simply, the world need's Charlie's work right now." — Miranda Hart
“A sweet tale rendered in swirly black calligraphy and watercolor. Childlike in its simplicity, its messages are universal. . . . Mackesy has brought people together.” — The Washington Post
“A lonely boy ambles through the countryside on a spring day, finding companionship: first meeting the mole, then the other animals of the title. As they walk, the new friends talk, wonder, share their hopes and fears and pose some big questions. . . . A big hit.” — The Philadelphia Inquirer
“A delightful treat of a book. . . . If there were classes on how to be a good person, this book would be the textbook.” — Horse Nation
About the Author
Charlie Mackesy began sharing conversations between the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse on his social media channels in early 2018. He published The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse in late 2019 and the book has since brought comfort and joy to over seven million readers worldwide.
After two years of collaborative work, in 2022, the short film adaptation of the book will be released alongside The Book of the Film.
Charlie collaborates with a number of charities, including Comic Relief—he created the iconic “Love Wins” t-shirt—as well as the NHS, Choose Love, WWF and The Samaritans. During the pandemic he donated prints, books, drew on hospital walls, and posted messages of support to NHS workers, which he continues.
Charlie began his career as a cartoonist for The Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. He spent time in America as a portrait painter and ran art therapy workshops for Alzheimer's sufferers and Holocaust survivors. He lived and painted in South Africa, and collaborated with Nelson Mandela on a lithograph project, "The Unity Series." And worked with Richard Curtis on the set of Love Actually to create a set of drawings to be auctioned for Comic Relief. Away from art, Charlie co-runs a social enterprise, Mama Buci in Zambia. His work features in books, private collections and public spaces, including Highgate Cemetery in London, in hospitals, prisons, churches, and university colleges around the UK, and in women's safe houses around the world.
He lives in Suffolk with his dog Barney.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperOne
- Publication date : October 22, 2019
- Edition : First Edition
- Language : English
- Print length : 128 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062976583
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062976581
- Item Weight : 12.8 ounces
- Reading age : 7+ years, from customers
- Dimensions : 6 x 0.62 x 8 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #349 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1 in Literary Graphic Novels (Books)
- #9 in Happiness Self-Help
- #16 in Motivational Self-Help (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author

British artist, illustrator and author Charlie Mackesy began his career as a cartoonist for The Spectator, before becoming a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. His award-winning work has been exhibited widely and featured in books, private collections, galleries, school classrooms, hospital wards, prisons, and public spaces around the world. Charlie worked with Richard Curtis on the set of Love Actually to create a set of drawings to be auctioned for Comic Relief, and with Nelson Mandela on a lithograph project, The Unity Series. His bronzes can be found in public spaces in London, including Highgate Cemetery and the Brompton Road. His internationally bestselling book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, was published in October 2019 and holds the record for the most consecutive weeks in the Sunday Times Non-Fiction Chart across all formats as well as being the longest running Sunday Times Non-Fiction Number One of all time. A number one New York Times best-seller, it is one of eight books since 2013 that has remained on the number one New York Times Bestseller and on the New York Times Advice, Misc. Best Seller list. Charlie’s beloved book is the first ever book to be awarded both the Waterstones Book of the Year and Barnes and Noble Book of the Year (2019) and has been translated into over 55 different languages. In 2023, the short animated film adaption of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse won the BAFTA Award for Best British Film, the Academy Award for Best Animated Short film and five Annie Awards including Best Special Production. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: The Animated Story was published in November 2023 to accompany the animated short film. Away from art, Charlie co-runs Mama Buci, a honey social enterprise in Zambia that helps families of low and no income become beekeepers. He lives between Brixton and Suffolk with his dog Barney.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find this book uplifting, with beautiful illustrations and a simple text that children can easily understand. The storyline is pure and flows gently, making it suitable for all ages, and customers consider it a must-read that can be read in one sitting. They appreciate its value as a gift, particularly for children. The writing quality receives mixed feedback, with some praising the writing while others find it hard to read.
AI Generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers appreciate the book's message, describing it as uplifting and filled with life lessons that touch the heart.
"...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?..." Read more
"A perfect book to reflect on ourselves, how we feel, and friendship. Thank you Mr Maksey for creating such a lovely creation...." Read more
"Pure, simple, complex, endearing, true and uplifting." Read more
"...So, I purchased the book only to discover just how lovely, inspiring and special it is. The entire book fits my life feelings so perfectly...." Read more
Customers praise the book's beautiful illustrations, describing them as whimsical and sweet.
"Beautiful book. Everyone with a heart should read this...." Read more
"Love the beautiful book. The pictures and the content are amazing and touched my heart." Read more
"This is a beautiful and touching book is for the young and old! My daughter gave me this book as a gift during the pandemic...." Read more
"Beautiful and heartwarming... great for children and adults, great teaching tool for SEL in schools. LOVE this book and can't wait to see the movie!" Read more
Customers appreciate that the book is suitable for all ages, being both a beautiful picture book and good for both adults and children.
"This is a book for all ages with short, pithy witticisms that grab you up by the heart strings and show that the world really can be kind." Read more
"Great book for all ages. I’m 76. Bought it for 32 year old Grandson. Hope he likes it as much as I did. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Would give it 10 STARS ❗️❗️❗️" Read more
"Great for all ages, an awesome book for kids, full of loving caring empathy. Inspiring. Simple and impressive. great drawings" Read more
"A wonderful book for all ages" Read more
Customers appreciate the book's simplicity, praising its exquisite language that children can easily comprehend.
"These have mixed reviews from being simple and silly to thoughtful and touching...." Read more
"Simple, honest, and true. The words and the drawings. Lovely. Thank you for such a great reminder of love and its power." Read more
"...Part of the beauty of this book is it simplicity. It doesn't tell you what to think, or draw an intense detail...." Read more
"The most beautiful and simple book, that I have ever read. Placed into my world, at exactly the right time. Thank you" Read more
Customers find the book highly readable, with several mentioning they can finish it in one sitting and consider it a must-read.
"...It's a short, quick read that reminds me a bit of Winnie the Pooh, The Giving Tree or other children's stories filled with a blend of whimsy and..." Read more
"...Great read and fun to flip through for inspirational messages and quotes." Read more
"I loved the drawings and such simple messages that apply to us all. Quick read and can open to any page if you are feeling down or just want to feel..." Read more
"...Great for any age. Would make a great gift for dear friends. Quick and easy read." Read more
Customers find the book to be an amazing gift, particularly suitable for children and newborns, with one customer noting it's especially helpful for those struggling with loss.
"...Great gift. Powerful story." Read more
"...I genuinely think it’s a great gift and generally important book to keep on the shelf to read through every once in a while for a little life..." Read more
"Perfect gift! I bought 2 copies and gave each to loved ones who needed a little “pick me up “." Read more
"...What a perfect gift!! I read this as soon as I received...." Read more
Customers appreciate the storyline of the book, describing it as a beautifully written, simple narrative that flows gently and is particularly relevant to current times.
"Beautiful book and story. Attractive and well bound. Timeless story. Delightful illustrations. This is a lovely book to own and read over the years...." Read more
"...You don’t have to be a child to enjoy it. It is amazing that a simple story with beautiful illustrations can lift your spirits so much." Read more
"...Completely beautiful and moving. Highly recommend this book." Read more
"...Simple, Universal, timely, answers hard questions humanity has with beautiful advice. Recommend for all ages." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the writing quality of the book, with some finding it well written and clever, while others report it being very hard to read, particularly noting that it is written in cursive.
"Beautifully written & illustrated. Enjoyable for all the ages in our home (6 to 14)...." Read more
"...The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is that is was written in cursive, the author's hand, I imagine, and once in a while it is hard to read..." Read more
"...This book is beautifully written, and everyone deserves a chance to read it and pass it along or keep it for those hard days." Read more
"...It is simple and beautifully illustrated and written. I give these to friends and family members." Read more
Reviews with images

This book is a delightful and uplifting read, suitable for all ages.
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 19, 2021After "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.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2025This is a beautiful and touching book is for the young and old! My daughter gave me this book as a gift during the pandemic. I can only say it brought me to tears in a good way. It gives us the life reminders of what is most important in life. Ever since she gave me my first copy, I have given it time and time again to others. For birthdays, baby showers, new parents, or when anyone is going through a tough time. This makes the perfect gift for yourself or anyone in your life. I have is displayed in my living room for guests to read when they come over. Everyone that reads it, loves it!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 10, 2025I 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.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2025This book feels like a warm hug. It's beautiful and has a fantastic message. I suggest you read it at night with your kids or when your having a bad day.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2025Lovely, inspirational book. It has lessons for children as well as adults.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2025Reading this book is like receiving a hug. I have sent multiple copies in the mail to people I love and told them it was my way of sending a hug their way. The illustrations are beautiful and the words are simply powerful! Highly recommend. I even have two tattoos on my body of the artwork because I love it so much.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024This book is a delightful and uplifting read, suitable for all ages. It's an ideal gift, especially for teens and young adults seeking encouragement. Free from political or controversial themes, it offers a refreshing and heartfelt experience. The audiobook, with the author's perfect narration, enhances the experience and is so captivating that I listened to it multiple times in one day. I've shared this book with my college kids and younger nephews, and it makes a wonderful gift. It's the kind of book you want to enjoy in a peaceful setting, like a park, with a cozy blanket. This book has profoundly touched me, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It truly deserves high praise. I’ve now bought at least 8 copies of this book to gift. I love reading the book alongside the audiobook version, it’s even better reading both together. I can’t recommend this book enough, it’s literally my favorite book now and I’m 50yo. I gifted it any chance I can. There are two versions of this book as you can see from my photos. The illustrated version it’s ideal for adolescents children, while the black and white format it’s best for teens, young adults and adults. Combine with the audio version and it’s a winner every time. Love this book! Buy it!
Thank you to the author—please continue writing such inspiring works.
5.0 out of 5 starsThis book is a delightful and uplifting read, suitable for all ages. It's an ideal gift, especially for teens and young adults seeking encouragement. Free from political or controversial themes, it offers a refreshing and heartfelt experience. The audiobook, with the author's perfect narration, enhances the experience and is so captivating that I listened to it multiple times in one day. I've shared this book with my college kids and younger nephews, and it makes a wonderful gift. It's the kind of book you want to enjoy in a peaceful setting, like a park, with a cozy blanket. This book has profoundly touched me, and I highly recommend it to everyone. It truly deserves high praise. I’ve now bought at least 8 copies of this book to gift. I love reading the book alongside the audiobook version, it’s even better reading both together. I can’t recommend this book enough, it’s literally my favorite book now and I’m 50yo. I gifted it any chance I can. There are two versions of this book as you can see from my photos. The illustrated version it’s ideal for adolescents children, while the black and white format it’s best for teens, young adults and adults. Combine with the audio version and it’s a winner every time. Love this book! Buy it!This book is a delightful and uplifting read, suitable for all ages.
Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
Thank you to the author—please continue writing such inspiring works.
Images in this review
- Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2025Love the story concept and the beautiful illustrations
Top reviews from other countries
- Hashwin SinghReviewed in Singapore on February 26, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book with uplifting messages
This book is my go-to as a gift for my friends and every feedback I've received so far has been poisitve. A quick and easy read with lovely illustrations and messages that puts a smile on your face.
-
MIGUEL ZUÑIGAReviewed in Mexico on June 26, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Recomendable
Primero vi el cortometraje y me encantó la animación y la historia bastante hermosa.
- Ihza bahtraReviewed in Japan on April 15, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful
It make me cry in the middle of park.
- jamesReviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Every home should have at lease one copy, it has & will save lives
I W ENGLAND No just no!!
Every single thing from the teacup stain and his dog stepping on a page but he left it in with a footnote.
As for the review posted by profile I W ENGLAND’s I’m appalled and shocked. Charlie Mackesy is an artist and illustrator but not an author he admits that himself.
Charlie is a once in a lifetime artist look at his work with Nelson Mandela goes for tens of thousands but we are here for the most stunning piece of craftsmanship with different interpretations every time you read it.
It’s about life and we all live one and have trouble along the way. She should read it hundreds of times if not thousands, because life is always changing for the positive & negative this book grounds you gives you a slap across the face and literally how we should overcome and live happily.
I W ENGLAND. You should be ashamed especially after giving a pop up book about prehistoric animals, which looks like the long gone animals painted themselves or Ray Charles.
There maybe a few platitudes but what what book doesn’t even William Shakespeare used them and invented many we still use today, but again he’s and illustrator google him find videos and he says it himself.
But even worse your statement about if you were emotionally low and read it could make you worse could be looked as libel defamation. I know many people it’s help and saved a life (my own) it’s always close by.
She used words like pithy which is actually creative writing which communicates a lot in fewer words & for illustrator is fantastic. Vacuous weak sentiment are all pretty much the same and saying no substance at al, it’s full of substance it even has Munter and Straff musical notes on inside front and back page.
I suggest she reads it once a week I guarantee Charlie will bet she won’t love it after that time.
It’s not talking about getting home it even says at the end home is not always a place.
But if we are talking places it has placed 1st since release in 2018 from someone that draws you do better.
Oh and these are not your average illustrations they are incredible
Thank you Charlie you’ve save my life and more ignore her just look at the evidence online
I read it to my 6 year old niece and she takes it with her
Paint is mightier than the pen & sword
Thank you
J
jamesEvery home should have at lease one copy, it has & will save lives
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2021
Every single thing from the teacup stain and his dog stepping on a page but he left it in with a footnote.
As for the review posted by profile I W ENGLAND’s I’m appalled and shocked. Charlie Mackesy is an artist and illustrator but not an author he admits that himself.
Charlie is a once in a lifetime artist look at his work with Nelson Mandela goes for tens of thousands but we are here for the most stunning piece of craftsmanship with different interpretations every time you read it.
It’s about life and we all live one and have trouble along the way. She should read it hundreds of times if not thousands, because life is always changing for the positive & negative this book grounds you gives you a slap across the face and literally how we should overcome and live happily.
I W ENGLAND. You should be ashamed especially after giving a pop up book about prehistoric animals, which looks like the long gone animals painted themselves or Ray Charles.
There maybe a few platitudes but what what book doesn’t even William Shakespeare used them and invented many we still use today, but again he’s and illustrator google him find videos and he says it himself.
But even worse your statement about if you were emotionally low and read it could make you worse could be looked as libel defamation. I know many people it’s help and saved a life (my own) it’s always close by.
She used words like pithy which is actually creative writing which communicates a lot in fewer words & for illustrator is fantastic. Vacuous weak sentiment are all pretty much the same and saying no substance at al, it’s full of substance it even has Munter and Straff musical notes on inside front and back page.
I suggest she reads it once a week I guarantee Charlie will bet she won’t love it after that time.
It’s not talking about getting home it even says at the end home is not always a place.
But if we are talking places it has placed 1st since release in 2018 from someone that draws you do better.
Oh and these are not your average illustrations they are incredible
Thank you Charlie you’ve save my life and more ignore her just look at the evidence online
I read it to my 6 year old niece and she takes it with her
Paint is mightier than the pen & sword
Thank you
J
Images in this review
-
Alicia 🌸Reviewed in Spain on May 27, 2025
5.0 out of 5 stars Una maravilla de Libro y Dibujos Preciosos
Adoro este libro, sus dibujos son preciosos y la sencillez y humanidad con la que se explica,...por ejemplo, cuando al niño le pregunta el topo, ¿qué quieres ser de mayor? Amable.
Qué bien que exista este escritor y dibujante con este talento y sensibilidad,
💛Thanks a Lot