Book Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
By Charlie Mackesy
In this recent (2019) and charming book each of the characters in Charlie Mackesy’s book plays a role in supporting each of the others as they meet one another through a walk of life. The boy has many questions, while the mole – who is always ready to eat cake – is the voice of wisdom (as is the horse) for the young lad. “We often wait for kindness”, says the mole, “but being kind to yourself can start now”, adding “Often the hardest person to forgive is yourself.” The fox, hurt by life’s misfortunes, is largely silent, but rescues the mole when he falls into a creek and is almost swept away. In like fashion the horse rescues the boy when he falls off the swift-running horse.
Issues of loneliness, fear, courage, and sadness are addressed throughout the story. “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?”, asks the curious boy. “Help”, replies the horse. “Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up”, adds the horse. “Always remember you matter. You’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.”
Mackesy, also an artist, infuses the book with many drawings that illustrate the adventures and camaraderie experienced by the troupe. They discover what it means to love, and that home isn’t always a place. The book will soon find a home in our CUMC library.
Reviewed by Ronald Yarger
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