User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
I LOVE THIS BOOK!
When I picked this up to read to my son one night, I didn't expect to tear up, to need to pause to process these beautiful truths, and to buy copies for my family members. It's a story I wish I grew up reading, and it's a story I plan to read again and again.
I highly recommend it!
Rating: really liked it
rereading this book as a cry for help
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It is impossible not to like this book. It’s entirely made up of charming illustrations and great handwriting and beautiful sentences and jokes about cake. It gives you zero chance to dislike it.
I wish I could dislike it, because I have a very cold and mean soul and it would be very on brand for me to hate something that Chris Evans, Captain America himself, called the most beautiful book/Christmas gift possible and the marketing copy calls “hope in uncertain times.”
But alas. I had no chance.
This is the kind of book that you read in 20 minutes and then immediately hand to someone else, who then wants to lend your copy to someone but can’t because they aren’t a monster and instead buys 10 copies to keep on hand as gifts that seem personal but really aren’t.
This giftiness is both the best thing about this and the worst.
At some points this feels more like a collection of quotes than anything else, which is sad because I liked other things about this - the boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse, namely. And I could get inspirational feel-good quotes anywhere (including on this site, by the thousands).
Still, though - this wasn’t perfect, but it came pretty close.
Bottom line: Captain America was right about this one.
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pre-review"I got you a delicious cake," said the mole.
"Did you?"
"Yes."
"Where is it?"
"I ate it," said the mole.
"Oh."
"But I got you another."
"Did you? Where is that one?"
"The same thing seems to have happened."needless to say i loved this so much it broke me in half.
review to come / 4 stars
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currently-reading updatesi don't know anything about this book but it looks like it's going to make me cry
Rating: really liked it
Instagram “wisdom.” Winnie-the-Pooh for adults, maybe. Required reading for work. I hate this book. I hate the font, I hate how expensive it is, I hate that I had to read it, I especially hate that it was exactly what I expected it to be. I never would have read it had I not been forced. I had forgotten that I initially read the introduction, which caused me to stop reading.The introduction says something like, “Ooh, look at you, starting at the beginning! I never do that!” Fuck you. You don’t know where I started reading this book just bc I’m reading the introduction at this moment, Mr. Condescending I-Color-Outside-the-Lines-Here-Let-Me-Show-You-How-It’s-Done. This book is Superficial. I’m pretty sure this hate review is longer that the book.
~~~~~
UPDATE, October 13, 2020
“‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ asked the mole.
‘Kind,’ said the boy.”
Oh. The irony. It is to laugh.
People LOVE this book, bc of its message of kindness, and friendship, and blah, blah, I don’t remember, who fucking cares. The ones who love this book and go looking for one star reviews are an interesting bunch. They land here and get triggered, and they pounce in a way no one who is
truly moved by this book would. Maybe it’s bc I use the word hate so much (they conflate that to mean I’m a hateful person). Maybe it’s my effusive disdain for this book (therefore, I’m unenlightened. Which is true. Most of us are, especially people who tell you that you’re unenlightened). That I don’t “get it.” Yes, I do. I just hate the book. The two can coexist. Take a deep breath, it’s ok. They’re funny. At first. But when I laugh at them for not only looking for one star reviews, but leaving
unkind comments, they get really obtuse, hateful and unenlightened. You’ll have to take my word for it. I delete the receipts from the trolls bc it emboldens the gremlins. I will not let this hate review become a rest stop for haters. So tell me I’m a stupid loser if you must. When you bore me, I’ll delete your comments and block you, too. Have a nice day.
~~~~~
UPDATE: 4/30/2021
TL;DR: I block toxic people.
I’ve blocked 3 (+) people. The first person started by telling me it’s my job that makes me hateful. When I compared them to a specific kind of troll, they were horrified and told me I’m not spiritual, but they are, and extolled their virtues. I told them to leave me alone. To their credit, they stopped commenting. Weeks later, I was notified that they were now following my reviews. I call them “Stalker.” I was uncomfortable and concerned they were lying in wait to attack me again. I learned to delete posts and block users.
One or two people whose accounts are set to private started following my reviews. I was concerned that they might be Stalker, so I blocked them.
I call the next person I blocked “Rando.” I don’t remember a word they said, primarily bc within 24 hours, Psycho dropped in on this review. Because of the timing, I thought Psycho and Rando were friends. Maybe. Maybe not. I don’t care.
Psycho and I went a few rounds. They pulled a “poor me,” and a “you have a small point,” before getting really aggressive. I got tired of them and told them explicitly, “Leave me alone.”
Tip: when someone says, “Leave me alone,” do that. Not doing that is toxic, and opens you up to being appropriately nicknamed “Psycho.”
Psycho wrote me a missive longer than my original review and the book in question combined. I blocked them without reading it. They are the reason for the Oct, 2020 update. They’re the reason for this update, come to that.
Now it’s 6 months later, and Psycho has unnecessarily returned to let me know that I deserve hate for unnecessarily writing a hate review. They also let me know they still get notifications every time someone comments on this review. This is great news. It makes me laugh, and I think it’s their just deserts.
All over an overpriced trifle. Pathetic.
Rating: really liked it
This unforgettable book with the memorable title is a book about friendship, kindness, and self-esteem told in the most special of ways.
First there is a boy. He is alone. He comes upon a mole, whom it seems loves cake more than anything else. The mole becomes the boy’s friend and companion, his coach and confidante. The boy shares his fears, the mole shares advice and his love of cake.
When they meet the fox, it is caught in a snare. Instinctively both the fox and the mole know if the mole frees the fox, the fox should then kill it, but if the mole leaves the fox in the snare, it will die. Sometimes you can override your instincts, and the fox becomes a (mostly silent) companion on their wanderings. Then they meet the horse, who has hidden some of its special abilities for far too long.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse isn’t as much a story as it is a book of advice, encouragement, and lessons accompanied by whimsical hand-drawn illustrations. The advice and lessons are beautiful and meaningful, and the entire book is a genuinely heartfelt experience.
"What do you think is the biggest waste of time?"
"Comparing yourself to others," said the mole.
The book is written in a handwriting-type font so it’s a little difficult for even older eyes to read, so this is definitely a book that should be read together and shared. Almost every page has something special on it.
I really think this will be the perfect gift for those you want to share a message of encouragement or love with. It’s similar to Winnie the Pooh in its content but not so much in narrative or illustration. This will be one you won't be able to forget.
See all of my reviews at itseithersadnessoreuphoria.blogspot.com.
You can follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/the.bookishworld.of.yrralh/.
Rating: really liked it
Written in a hard to read font, I found this disjointed effort quite disappointing. There are some nice quotes but no connecting thread or continuous flow as it lacks a narrative. Both the story and the artwork seemed unfinished and I am left feeling incomplete in my understanding of the popularity of this book.
Rating: really liked it
I have a Booktube channel now! Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/petrikleoWell, isn’t this just incredibly wholesome and hopeful.The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy was a book that I spotted several times on many best-sellers list. However, I was never interested in it; I never expected or planned to read this book. This was a book gifted to me by my co-blogger, TS; she insisted her co-bloggers receive this wonderful gift, and I’m really thankful for her generous gesture. Why? Because I surprisingly loved it. It arrived at my doorstep earlier today; I took a peek and ended up being charmed thoroughly to the end.
I’ll keep this brief. The lovely art plus the text was a great combination that captured the feeling of loneliness, kindness, love, and gratitude that the characters felt. There isn’t a narrative per se; it’s designed like a collection of self-help/inspirational quotes you can usually find on Instagram. But Mackesy’s artwork made the text more “alive” to me. The importance of existing, doing our best, and not be ashamed of asking for help were all delivered. I felt like capturing every page because they’re precious. It’s a short read; try to observe the art and let the text on each page seeps in; don’t rush through reading it. Stay with your new four friends for a while.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse is a hopeful book suitable for both young and adult readers. Growing up, my parents always taught me the importance of virtue, hope, love, and friendship; as an adult, constantly faced with growing responsibilities and crushing hardships just seem to make it difficult to remember those messages sometimes. This book made me remember those lessons again; it felt like I was taking a break from the harshness of life for a while. It’s not even the type of book I usually read, but I know I will be reading this to my kid in the future one day. We always want kids and young adults to grow up with kindness and hope in their hearts; bring positive change to the world. But we can’t leave it all to them. We, as an adult, also has a role to play in this. Be the right individual to impart the light of virtue to them. Be grateful, be hopeful, be kind.
You can order the book from: Book Depository (Free shipping) | Bookshop (Support Local Bookstores!) You can find this and the rest of my reviews at Novel NotionsSpecial thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for giving me extra support towards my passion for reading and reviewing!
My Patrons: Alfred, Alya, Annabeth, Ben, Blaise, Devin, Diana, Edward, Ellen, Gary, Hamad, Helen, Jimmy Nutts, Joie, Lufi, Melinda, Mike, Miracle, Nicholas, Sarah, Seth, Shaad, Summer, Zoe.
Rating: really liked it
I listened to the audio of this, narrated beautifully by Charlie Mackesy in a meditative style that is sublime and just begs to be listened to again and again, whenever you feel the need for it. This is the perfect read and listen in our turbulent crisis hit times, helping to knit back together our battered bodies and souls. I would certainly recommend it for the simplicity of its pearls of wisdom for those suffering from certain mental health issues, such as depression. Needless to say, I am not surprised that this is loved by so many. If you have not read or heard this, I strongly urge you to give it a try. Pure gold.
Rating: really liked it
"Isn`t it odd. We can only see our outsides,
but nearly everything happens on the inside."
A wonderful and heartwarming picture book, with incredible and uplifting messages!
So apt and valuable for these uncertain and troubled times. This book is not like the usual picture book. Every page has that `feeling` of peace and serenity.
Picture books are usually for younger readers, but this one is for all - 8 years to 80 years and beyound.
a must-read!
Rating: really liked it
A beautiful book with handwritten gems of wisdom about life, love, friendship along with lovely drawings. It was the perfect book to read right now. It takes about ten minutes, but it took me longer because I read it again as soon as I finished it. A real treasure to hold on to or pass on to someone you love, which is what I’m going to do. A perfect book for an uncertain time. It did my heart good . It reminded me in some ways of The Little Prince or The Velveteen Rabbit in the way it touched me.
Rating: really liked it
Lovely illustrations but the words are cringe-worthy. It reads like a shit celebrity's enigmatic Twitter posts. All faux-wisdom that isn't even close to being as deep as it thinks it is.
Rating: really liked it
It's hard to find the words for this one. Other people have though.
I am not a Pooh fan.
(Could those of you throwing stuff at me please stop? I'm just not. Sorry to pooh pooh Pooh...
...but it's just too twee for me.)
This to me is not twee. Okay, occasionally, but in the same way as The Beatles "All You Need is Love" is. Mmmm, that comparison feels so cozy.
(There's real music in here too, sheet music which I wish I could read. I haven't seen it addressed anywhere and if anyone reads this and can give a sense of the tunes I'd love to know.)
It's all very special, the only book I've ever read where the copyright page comes last. I thought mine was missing it but no and what a great choice because it seems like the publisher is silently saying: we didn't want to interrupt.
The words. Spare sentences that are sometimes profound and surprising.
They're at the edge of the water looking at a pair of swans swimming in perfect unison.
"How do they look so together and perfect?" asked the boy.
"There's a lot of frantic paddling going on beneath," said the horse.
I LOVE THAT!
And on a gorgeous full-color page they're sitting looking at the sky, at a shooting star (sounds a lot more romantic than meteor) and the mole says: "So much beauty we need to look after."
Charlie Mackesy's mixed-medium artwork is always beautiful with some small surprises tucked in. The lettering is lovely. There are black & white ink drawings, ones with small or large washes of color, ones with even more color and a few full paintings. Some pages have no words. There are two I would love to buy and hang as prints.
A simple book with sweet and sober sentiments. Kids will like the characters and relate to some of it. For most adults who aren't able to hug everyone we love right now, I think this is the perfect time to read and send this love letter from Charlie Mackesy to the world.
Rating: really liked it
"Sometimes I feel lost," said the boy. "Me too, said the mole, "but we love you, and love brings you home." - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by @charliemackesy 🌟
This book is so many adjectives: powerful, impactful, lovely, heart warming, comforting, beautifully crafted, brilliant, simply amazing, are just a few that come to mind! 🦊
As an artist and aspiring book illustrator myself, Charlie Mackesy's stunning artwork is incredibly inspiring! 🖋️
I love how loose his line work is, and the way he changes his media. Paired with his use of certain colors, this is a gorgeous work of art!
This book should be a world wide required read!
I feel that the simplicity of the phrasing emphasizes how, in life it is very "easy" to give up or feel unimportant, but it is just as "easy" to ask for help and to simply tell someone you love them. This book and it's author/illustrator is an inspiration to all! 🐎
Rating: really liked it
A particularly maudlin boy, a Yoda-like mole who likes cake, a quiet fox, and a wise horse roam a generic countryside setting saying inspirational Instagram platitudes to one another:
“Nothing beats kindness” said the horse. “It sits quietly beyond all things.”
“Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself”
“What do you think success is?” asked the boy.
“To love” said the mole.
“Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole.
“I think I’m grateful to have a glass” said the boy.
“Being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses” said the mole.
That’s just an idea of what you can expect with this book and, if your eyes haven’t rolled out of your head, you might get something out of Charles Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse!
Obviously it’s just a dressed-up version of random feel-good messages – there’s no “story” and it’s only superficially a fable. It’s also the kind of book that’s easy to mock because it’s so earnest. But I actually agree with a lot of what’s in the book and think anything this positive and encouraging, particularly to those of us with doubt or low self-esteem, which most of us battle with at one point or another, is worth filling your head with. It just gets a bit repetitive after a while – kindness is good, etc. – and less impressive the more it goes on.
Mackesy’s artwork is quite skilful though I found some of the pictures too sketchy at times – too many lines making the page seem busier than it should. Some of the art is quite beautiful though like the watercolour pages and the Pegasus sequence.
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse is a modern-day combo of Winnie the Pooh and The Alchemist which isn’t half bad – gentle and sweet, with a good message and full of heart, it’s just a bit cloying at times.
Rating: really liked it
'What is the bravest thing you ever said?' asked the boy...'Help' said the horse. Gorgeous beautiful black/wite brown/white colour drawings, really beautiful.
For me though it is not a 5 star which is the average rating I think at Goodreads, why, because it is a bit a bit of supersweet cuteness and morality overkill. 😊 This is probably because I’m used to read dark books…. So maybe I am not the target group for this book? 😉
But, definitely a book to leaf through, read the wisdom, be in awe of the beautiful drawings,revisit so keep it close on your table, and be captured by the cute friendship between the boy, the mole (personally I liked the mole best, because of the humor in its statements), the fox and the horse in the beautiful drawings. Okay, 3.6 for me.
'Do you have a favorite saying', asked the boy. 'Yes', said the mole. 'What is it?' 'If at first you don't succeed, have some cake'. 'I see, does it work?' 'Every time'. This is what Waterstones says: “Waterstones Book of the Year 2019, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse was an instant favourite with our booksellers. A book to bring people together, Charlie Mackesy’s inspirational paintings and delicate calligraphic text are a celebration of kindness, compassion and understanding, conveying an essential message for our time. Soothing balm for the soul in these turbulent, polarised times. ‘This delicately illustrated tale shows that love towards yourself and others is the only thing that truly matters in our hectic world’ – Nia at Cardiff - ‘A poignantly human, refreshingly pure and beautifully curated book’ – Izzy at Piccadilly."
Rating: really liked it
What a beautiful and inspirational book to start 2021 with. A simple and thought provoking read, where the reader is reminded of the fundamental of goodness and kindness we were all born with.Beautifully illustrated and you cant help but love the characters as they plod along their merry way, a book that old and young can find joy in and I can imagine a mother reading this with her child. I loved the simple little messages that I think we all need reminding of now more so than ever in order to get through the tough times.
The book is beautifully illustrated in black calligraphy and watercolour.
My favourite quote from the book.
Is your glass half empty or half full asked the mole. "I think I am grateful to have a glass" said the boy. In my opinion a good book is a gift that keeps on giving. This is a lovely book that will bring a smile to the hardened of hearts.
