The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind,” said the boy.”
About This Book:
Published: 2019
Genre: Illustrated Fiction, Fable
A lonely boy meets three animal companions walking along the way. The four friends talk to one another as they walk together through the book. They talk about fear, loneliness, asking for help, what success means, and what matters in life.
This charming book is handwritten in Charlie Mackesy's messy script and filled with ink and watercolor sketches. It feels like flipping through someone's personal journal rather than reading a normal book.
Charlie Mackesy is a British artist and illustrator who started sharing these characters and their conversations on social media before turning them into a book. The book became a massive bestseller, selling over two million copies by the end of 2020. It's been translated into more than 17 languages and was adapted into an Oscar-winning animated short film in 2022.
Perfect for readers who appreciate: Illustrated books, philosophy, simple wisdom, comfort reading.
Why We Recommend This Book:
Some books try to be profound and end up sounding preachy. This one manages to say meaningful things on every page without feeling heavy-handed. The handwritten text and beautiful illustrations make it feel like a friend sharing something that helped them.
The wisdom is simple, but that's the point. Sometimes you don't need complex answers. You need someone to remind you that asking for help is brave, that being kind matters, that you're not as alone as you feel. It’s one of those books you’ll find yourself returning to over and over again, connecting with a different page every time.
