Summary: A graphic novel of the friendship of these four creatures who affirm the basic values of friendship, kindness, self-worth, and the love of cake!

I was in a group recently talking about books when someone asked if I had read The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse and I had to admit that I had not heard of it and joked that it sounded like one of those cognitive tests our docs like to give the over-65 crowd to test our short-term memory. Several others in the circle nodded and raved about how good this was for anyone from 8 to 80. I could stop my review right here and say, “what they said.” But I won’t.

What is it that makes so wonderful this roughly sketched (and occasionally painted) book with hand-written text supposedly smudged where the dog placed its paws and a tea cup stain left its mark? The boy and the three animals remind us of Christopher Robin and his ensemble.

The story traces the gathering of the four as the boy first meets mole, who lives in search of cake. Then they encounter a fox, caught in a trap, threatening to eat mole if he gets loose. Realizing the plight of the fox, mole gnaws the wire holding the fox. Later, they encounter a wise horse is winged.

But I think there are two things that captivate. One is the simple but profound responses of the creatures to each other, often to questions.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?”

” ‘Kind,’ said the boy”

” ‘What do you think success is?‘ asked the boy.”

” ‘To love,’ said the mole.”

We learn not to compare oneself to others, of the unique worth of each one, and to listen to dreams more than fears. We learn of the kindness of being kind to and forgiving oneself. The horse tells us the bravest thing he ever said is ‘Help” and that he was strongest in his weakness. He tells the boy he knows all about him and loves him still.

The other thing is that each is on a quest, the boy for home, the mole for cake, the fox in search of prey and the horse to fly without making others jealous. In each other they find what they seek, and yet that which is more–unconditional love.

Perhaps I’ve already said more than enough about a book you may read in 15 minutes but may savor for a lifetime, a contemporary Little Prince. This is a wonderful book to give those who aren’t readers. The author describes himself as such a person and yet has spun a captivating tale that in its simplicity, its quiet, reflective voice reminds us of what matters most, what endures, and is most true of each of us. ( )

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a cute little illustrated story following a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse as they meet and share life advice with one another. There is no clear plot line, nor do you learn much about any of the characters.

It is quite a cute story, with beautiful illustrations. The life advice shared is more on the cliché end - things you would hear as more general advice. Additionally, the text is incredibly difficult to read due to it being in a handwritten font; I had to spend more time figuring out what some of the words were than actually reading the book. ( )

I really enjoyed this one.
Such lovely nuggets of wisdom hide within and it’s in a fun and simple communication that a child will understand. ( )

I'm a primary school teacher. This year our school decided that we were going to use this book for world book day as a common theme for each class' work, which was how I came to read it. I'd heard about it previously of course - who hadn't after Christmas 2019 (Waterstones Book of the year, popular stocking filler/go to gift etc.) and had even thought about buying it if a second hand one came about.

I've now read it.

I don't get it.

I don't necessarily mean that I don't understand why people love the book, but more so why people can't see it for what it is - a (in my opinion) publisher influenced money spinning collection of fragmentary and incomplete, tenuously linked platitudes which would be more at home on little pieces of paper stuffed in fortune cookies than on the pages of a national book award winner marketed somewhat as a book for children! (Why children? Children are not in need of mawkish platitudes played on heartstrings of mistakes, regrets and sentimentality)

The mystery continued and became rather more complicated however, when I downloaded the audiobook version. I began to notice that Charlie Mackesey's reading (which was well done, he has a very engaging voice by the way) contained a considerably more rounded story. By all accounts, he had used the instagram snapshots which made his book so widely loved, and filled out the twee philosophical musings of a boy and three animals into a coherent and - get this - enjoyable story!

So I ask you.

WHY WASN'T THIS THE BLOOMIN' BOOK VERSION TOO?!?!

It was infinitely better, infinitely more accomplished and everything the book should have been.

Which leads me to this dual frustration.

1. Why is the audiobook, which is so much better, not the book?

2. Why don't/can't people discern that the actual book is severely lacking 'stuff'.

I mean, it's so obvious isn't it? Is it an 'ignorance is bliss' scenario? - that without hearing the better version the existing one maintains some sort of illusory greatness? Yet to me, the book was so evidently weak, how could this be true?

I don't know. I feel like the guy who is well aware that the proverbial emperor's marching about in his underpants.

Suffice to say, all the school loved it, as did the children. Ultimately, I am not one to ignore the greater value held in inspiring young readers to love books and any book that does so is incredibly valuable. So, take my criticism with a pinch of salt, I'll just avert my eyes!

p.s. My ire isn't toward Charlie Mackesy since he's respectfully made accomplished segements/pages of art (not to mention a commendable audiobook story - ha!) He seems like a good guy. My ire is rather aimed at the publishing world and how they and the reading public create a reading climate that heralds such works. Let's have higher expectations, greater discernment and, as a result, a greater quality of book winning national awards. ( )

I am in love with this book. I want everyone I know and don't know to read it ( )