HomeGroupsTalkMoreZeitgeist
Search Site
This site uses cookies to deliver our services, improve performance, for analytics, and (if not signed in) for advertising. By using LibraryThing you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your use of the site and services is subject to these policies and terms.

Results from Google Books

Click on a thumbnail to go to Google Books.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by…
Loading...

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (original 2019; edition 2019)

by Charlie Mackesy (Author)

MembersReviewsPopularityAverage ratingMentions
3,1931244,153 (4.27)68
A modern, illustrated fable for readers of all ages that explores life's universal lessons from beloved British illustrator Charlie Mackesy.
Member:laytonwoman3rd
Title:The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Authors:Charlie Mackesy (Author)
Info:HarperOne (2019), Edition: Illustrated, 128 pages
Collections:Your library
Rating:****1/2
Tags:fiction, illustrated, graphic, philosophy, 2021

Work Information

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy (2019)

Loading...

Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book.

No current Talk conversations about this book.

» See also 68 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 115 (next | show all)
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. ( )
  Dzaowan | Feb 15, 2024 |
I am in love with this book. I want everyone I know and don't know to read it ( )
  ChaoticGoblin | Jan 23, 2024 |
Can be enjoyed all in one go, or just a bit at a time. Like cake. ( )
  Treebeard_404 | Jan 23, 2024 |
¨If at first you don´t suceed, have some cake.¨

This was a sweet little book. Many people are saying much of it is cliches- but personally I didn´t care. The illustrations were beautiful and though there really wasn't a story, I enjoyed the inspirational quotes. ( )
  Dances_with_Words | Jan 6, 2024 |
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a touching narrative that unfolds as a young boy embarks on a journey in search of home. Along the way, he forms unlikely bonds with a brave and friendly mole, a hungry and ill-tempered fox, and a wise horse, creating a tale that is as enchanting as it is profound.

This book, which also doubles as a short film, is a true gem that resonates with themes of hope and optimism. It weaves a beautiful story that transcends age, captivating both young and old readers alike. The charm of this narrative lies in its universal appeal. There is genuinely something for everyone to learn from its pages.

The relevance of the story offers valuable insights and life lessons that are applicable to a broad audience. Whether you're a child captivated by the whimsical characters or an adult seeking a reminder of life's simple yet profound truths, this book delivers a message that is both timeless and universal.

The narrative unfolds as good fun and adventure, making it a delightful read. The heartwarming moments scattered throughout the pages are enough to bring a smile to anyone's face. The story, in its simplicity, carries a depth that is beautifully moving and sweet, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

In summary, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" is not just a book; it's a journey of emotions, a celebration of friendship, and a testament to the power of hope. Its universal themes and enchanting characters make it a must-read for those who appreciate stories that are not only entertaining but also carry a deep message about life. ( )
1 vote Beckles | Dec 30, 2023 |
Showing 1-5 of 115 (next | show all)
no reviews | add a review

» Add other authors

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Charlie Mackesyprimary authorall editionscalculated
Japin, ArthurTranslatorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed
You must log in to edit Common Knowledge data.
For more help see the Common Knowledge help page.
Canonical title
Original title
Alternative titles
Original publication date
People/Characters
Important places
Important events
Related movies
Epigraph
Dedication
This book is dedicated to my lovely kind mum, and my wonderful dog Dill.
First words
Hello
Quotations
"I'm so small," said the mole.

"Yes," said the boy, "but you make a huge difference."
"What do you think is the biggest waste of time?"

"Comparing yourself to others." said the mole.
"One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things."
"Sometimes I feel lost." said the boy.

"Me too." said the mole.

"but we love you, and love brings you home."
"Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, is it?" asked the boy

"No," said the mole.
Last words
(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)
Disambiguation notice
Information from the Dutch Common Knowledge. Edit to localize it to your language.
Dit is de geanimeerde versie
Publisher's editors
Blurbers
Original language
Canonical DDC/MDS
Canonical LCC

References to this work on external resources.

Wikipedia in English

None

A modern, illustrated fable for readers of all ages that explores life's universal lessons from beloved British illustrator Charlie Mackesy.

No library descriptions found.

Book description
Haiku summary
In a scary world
the author's illustrations
and words inspire.
(passion4reading)

Current Discussions

None

Popular covers

Quick Links

Rating

Average: (4.27)
0.5
1 10
1.5 1
2 16
2.5 6
3 56
3.5 25
4 121
4.5 23
5 272

Is this you?

Become a LibraryThing Author.

 

About | Contact | Privacy/Terms | Help/FAQs | Blog | Store | APIs | TinyCat | Legacy Libraries | Early Reviewers | Common Knowledge | 203,191,835 books! | Top bar: Always visible