The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

#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 modern fable and 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, a heartwarming tale following 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. 

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+.

What lessons will you find in their friendship?

• A Book for All Ages: Join a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox, and a wise horse as they find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries.
• Stunning Artwork: Featuring 100 beautiful color and black-and-white drawings by author Charlie Mackesy, making this book an object of art in itself.
• Timeless Wisdom: Through gentle conversations—like the boy’s simple wish to be kind when he grows up—discover profound lessons about vulnerability, hope, friendship, and love.
• Inspirational Gift: A moving and hopeful story that has connected with readers worldwide, now an Academy Award® winning animated short film.

“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

“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.”

"I felt this book down to my core." - Hoda Kotb

“The world that I am required to inhabit is this one. But 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. Mackesy – with tireless compassion – is showing us how.” - Elizabeth Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love and Big Magic

“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

"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