The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse: A Heartfelt Journey of Friendship and Wisdom | Best in Inspirational and Illustrated Books for Gifting

“This is precisely the time when artists go to work.There is no time for despair, no place forself-pity,no need for silence, no room for fear. Wespeak, we write, we do language.That is how civilizations heal” - ToniMorrisonOftentimes, people question “what is the role of art in these times of social distancing and over-connection?” Surely, it cannot stop the climate crisis or provide a cure for virus. Nevertheless, art is an antidote in times of chaos, it allows us to examine what it means to be human, to voice, to create, to express, and to bring people together.The arts create wellness in our day-to-day lives by helping us process our lives individually and allowing us to come together collectively. And in times of uncertainty, art amplifies important voices and messages. One such powerful voice is that of Charlie Mackesy, spreading hope and positive cheer through his art.The most transformative power of art is its ability to redeem and guide us on dark days. It is an essential tool that provides us with a sense of perspective. And Charlie Mackesy’s book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” certainly does that and also guides people towards light in these darkest of our days. I guess that’s the power of any art form...to create art is to create hope.It all began on Instagram. His pen-and-ink drawings about a little boy and his animal friends literally took the world by storm. As the whole world was grappling with so much fear and uncertainty during pandemic times, his gentle words of profound wisdom provided the much needed reassurance and hope to people across the world.“The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse” is a touching tale of a curious boy and his journey through the countryside, finding companionship: first meeting the mole, then the fox and finally the horse. Their adventures in the wilderness are brought to life by the author’s own exquisite illustrations. I wish their adventures would continue, so we can have many sequels about their adventures.The fox is generally silent; the mole and the horse offer some reassurance and wisdom. As they walk, the new friends talk, wonder, share their hopes and fears and also pose some big questions:“What do you want to be when you grow up?”“kind” said the boy“What do we do when our hearts hurt?asked the boy“we wrap them with friendship, sharedtears and time, till they wake hopefuland happy again” said the horseI found many such uplifting words of wisdom in this exquisitely illustrated book:“Sometimes all we feel is tired and frightenedbut there is more strength and lovein us than you can possibly imagine”said the horse.Sometimes, it’s the simplest of things that can touch us the deepest. This exceptional book will only take 10-15minutes of your life but will leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul. Perhaps that’s where it's appeal lies; people took ownership of this tale in different ways."What is the bravest thing you've ever said? asked the boy"help" said the horseCharlie’s art is pinned up in hospitals, schools, homes all over the world. In fact, the above lines with illustration have become an effective tool for discussions around mental health. Charlie’s art makes you feel that “it’s ok to be vulnerable and to ask for help”Charlie’s illustrations resonate with people across the world...from an 8yr old to 80yrs old. I guess it just touched a raw nerve with people...with its childlike simplicity which is refreshingly simple.This book has become a world wide “publishing phenomenon” as it was released during Covid time. This book was like a balm to nervous and anxious people around the world. When there was so much uncertainty, hopelessness looming over the world...this book and his IG posts were like a breath of fresh air...calming people’s hearts and souls.Since its publication in Oct 2019, this book has sold over 1.4 million copies world wide, becoming an invaluable source of comfort and positivity during a year like no other.This hardcover is one of the most beautiful books I have read till date!The print is amazing, the illustrations are wonderful and the quality of the paper is amazing. Reading this book will take you back to your art classes in school days with colouring book in hand. Reading this book was a visual experience!I'm glad I invested in a hardcopy as this book is a work of art and it needs to be treasured and cherished. It is a timeless classic and one I will definitely reread for months and years!!!It is certainly one of my best reads in 2021. And it is a wonderful and heart-warming picture book, with incredible and uplifting messages!!!This book has come to mean different things to different people. For some, this book was a source of strength and for others, it gave them hope. As for me, this book is like a little bit of treasure. It’s the type of book you pick up when you feel like you need something warm and cosy at the end of a long day to unwind peacefully.I couldn’t be more grateful to the author for writing this timeless classic. Thank you Charlie.Read it!!! And get in touch with that inner child in you...Amazon’s service was top notch! This book was delivered within a day of placing my order. There was not even a scratch on the cover and was brand new (thanks to the seller for amazing packing). Kudos to the team!!!

I gifted this to my nephew and we both loved it. It’s a quick 15-minute read with simple, heartfelt messages and charming illustrations that leave you smiling. Perfect as a thoughtful gift for any age.

A 5min read with lessons worth a lifetime. Beautifully illustrated.

The cutest and the simplest book ever but so many nuggets to learn about lifeEveryone should own the book❤️

I bought this book because of its story also I liked art sketches and it has best page quolity, but there are some minus points in this book. The cover is thik but it can be possible to damage it should be have plastic support to cover, but no support, no less in this book, some pages are blank and this is not good for value. I bought this because I'm interested in the story otherwise the value is very high and that is I will give the three 🌟 only.

You can’t have seen this book and not wanted to hold it in your hands, hug it close to your heart and lose yourself in the enchanting world it promises to take you to. More so if the author’s Instagram has become your elixir.A lonely boy befriends a mole, a fox and a horse. Together they learn who they are and who they want to become and, in doing so, impart some of life’s simplest and greatest lessons we could all imbibe to make our world joyous and beautiful.In the elegant, easy to understand illustrations and calligraphy, this book speaks a universal language of kindness, friendship, and love. It can’t take more than 20 minutes to read through but I urge you to savour the illustrations, cherish each thought, and reflect on every emotion it evokes inside you.You will notice your stress and anxieties slipping away and feel overcome by a sense of calm. Your heart will feel full and, when you turn over that last page, in all likelihood, you won’t want to part.A priceless work of art, this is a celebration in moments of joy and strength when you may feel low. A book for all ages and times, be prepared to surrender to it in entirety.

Love ❤️

Nice book