The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: Inspiring Conversations on Hope, Love and Personal Growth

#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.

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Published Oct 22, 2019

128 pages

Average rating: 8.49

153 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

Paisley
Jan 25, 2026
10/10 stars
A cute story about friendship and kindness given to us in drawings and the musings of a boy who meets a mole and then a fox and finally a horse.
AbbeyLileTaylor
Aug 29, 2023
10/10 stars
I want to cut out every page and frame them side by side on my wall...and I think I will. ❤
chloemack
Dec 08, 2025
7/10 stars
I enjoyed this book. A lot of good messages. I wish there was more of a story line. But overall, good.
writer_kriti
Oct 24, 2025
10/10 stars
It isn't a collection of words, it's a congregation of emotions
literarily_occupied
Aug 12, 2025
8/10 stars
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