The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Written by Charlie Mackesy

Narrated by Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy’s beloved The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has been adapted into an animated short film, now available to stream on Apple TV+

“A surprise bestseller about kindness and vulnerability is bringing people together.” – Washington Post

“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 audiobook, following the tale of 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. 

“Charlie Mackesy’s mesmerizing debut combines the simplicity of “The Giving Tree”, magic of “The Velveteen Rabbit” and the curiosity of “Paddington” – Elisabeth Egan, New York Times

• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperAudio
• Release date: Nov 12, 2020
• ISBN: 9780063083202

Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy began sharing conversations between the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse on his social media channels in early 2018. He published The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse in late 2019 and the book has since brought comfort and joy to over seven million readers worldwide. After two years of collaborative work, in 2022, the short film adaptation of the book will be released alongside The Book of the Film. Charlie collaborates with a number of charities, including Comic Relief—he created the iconic “Love Wins” t-shirt—as well as the NHS, Choose Love, WWF and The Samaritans. During the pandemic he donated prints, books, drew on hospital walls, and posted messages of support to NHS workers, which he continues. Charlie began his career as a cartoonist for The Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. He spent time in America as a portrait painter and ran art therapy workshops for Alzheimer's sufferers and Holocaust survivors. He lived and painted in South Africa, and collaborated with Nelson Mandela on a lithograph project, "The Unity Series." And worked with Richard Curtis on the set of Love Actually to create a set of drawings to be auctioned for Comic Relief. Away from art, Charlie co-runs a social enterprise, Mama Buci in Zambia. His work features in books, private collections and public spaces, including Highgate Cemetery in London, in hospitals, prisons, churches, and university colleges around the UK, and in women's safe houses around the world.  He lives in Suffolk with his dog Barney.

Reviews for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

[Alejandro Quintero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The reading was peaceful and entertaining. The book has an essence of imaginative genius.

[Mariela Quintero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It is a wonderful, sweet, simple yet profound little book that feels like a gift for the soul. Thank you ♥️

[Ashlynn Moody · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Sweet. Short. Fabulous!! I really enjoyed this listen!!! Highly recommend!

[Michael Mensi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful and wonderful audiobook! Thoroughly enjoy every bit of it?

[Kandice Allen · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Literally the words I needed to hear as a child, the words I want my children to hear, my work and love of horses and my need to heal them all summed up by a sentence in this book “we all fall don’t worry I got you “ because my horses catch me and have me … this messages paired with his calm soothing voice was magic to my manic ADHD nerves . I was sad for it to end and hope so much there can be more about this group ! 2019…. How am I just now finding this gem! I can’t wait to share it with my 5 year old daughter and 17 year old son ❤️. I know the author will never read this but this book just touches my inner child and hugs it tight …. Had I hear. These words I might be more affectionate with humans , I am trying to be better for my children!

Just magical ! I could see it all in my mind as he read.

Kandice @ Gray Horse Training Iowa

[Kamal El oualid · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Going to get my daughter to listen to this amazing audiobook, full of love ❤️ and kindness.

[Edwin Garcia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful! Might sound trivial but we always need to remember ourself. Thank you author.

[Linda James · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was delightful and just what I needed today. Thank you Charlie for reminding us how far we have come.

[Jessica Todd · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely love this audiobook short story! Made me cry tears of joy! You are loved! Literally made for all ages!

[Secret Me · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I liked the content of the story, so many wise words, things that in real life always overlooked.

[Galina Tulovsky · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I cried while reading this book. Everyone needs to read this book to remind themselves of what really matters.

[lori · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Love this book so much thank you for taking me into a different world!

[Elizabeth · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved every word ?. It has made me happy.

[Emily · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the cutest most heartwarming stories you will ever read. I could not recommend more that you give it a shot

[Lisa Simon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a very sweet, beautiful book which contains a lot of wisdom.

[SL Piazza · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A children's book for everyone. I was up very early one morning and watched the animated film. Then I watched the documentary. The film moved me to tears. I immediately downloaded the book and started listening to it on my way to work. It is a book with such a positive message for children yet speaks to the hearts of adults as well. Wonderfully written.

[David Dieguez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simple and Beautiful. A reminder to be kind to others.

[Sylvia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Absolutely beautiful. So heartwarming and gives me hope for mankind.

[Darrean Griba · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Listening to this book gives my heart peace. This is full of wisdom.

[Vero Gurupreet Kaur · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

well done, and good kids book, I enjoyed it lot!! lot!

[Dave Rudbarg · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is the perfect book to really teach parents and children about life. Beautiful,deep stuff.......

[kakini · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

wondrously magical, sweet & profound. I'll be listening to this over & over

[Hyacinth Bangero · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the best decisions I’ve made this 2022 was pressing listen now.

[Amen Zewdu Mersha · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It's real, it's true and it's what we all need!

[jojoebi · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful, the story, the author and the message. A must read from 8 to 80.

[Kuldeep Singh · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful. Please give it a listen. Worth every minute. Bliss

[Nicholas Rotter · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

There are quotes make you think about yourself, your own life

[jntjesussaves · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Writing: 4.0; Theme: 5.0; Content: 5.0; Language: 5.0; Overall: 4.5This was an interesting and inspirational book on the timely subject of friendship. The mole, the fox, the horse, and the boy become friends by accepting one another no matter their differences. The greatest trait of each is their love for one another (well, except for the mole- who loves cake). Nice and wonderful story. Highly recommend, especially for children.***June 19, 2023***

[doondeck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Beautiful and tender story with magnificent artwork.

[ewyatt_16 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A gentle, lovely book about friendship and loving yourself in a world that can be tough and unforgiving some times. A quick, illustrated story that plays with black and white and color. Highly illustrated.