‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by Charlie Mackesy

Exquisite illustrations, a few simple words to live by, in a small hard cover book without a dust cover…heavenly features of a remarkable book. I’m feeling conflicted because I want to post about this gem now, before Christmas, because it’s the perfect bookish gift during uncertain times (like a pandemic) but it’s also tricky because I’ve already bought this book for some people I love…:)

Excerpts from the introduction will tell you all you need to know…
“…pictures, they are like islands, places to get to in a sea of words.”
“This book is for everyone, whether you are eighty or eight–I feel like I’m both sometimes.”
“Start in the middle, if you like. Scribble on it, crease the corners and leave it well thumbed.”
“The boy is full of questions, the mole is greedy for cake. The fox is mainly silent and wary because he’s been hurt by life. The horse is the biggest thing they have ever encountered, and also the gentlest.”
“Their adventures happen in springtime where one moment snow is falling and the sun shines the next, which is also a little bit like life–it can turn on a sixpence.”
“I hope this book encourages you, perhaps, to live courageously with more kindness for yourself and for others. And to ask for help when you need it–which is always a brave thing to do.”
“The truth is, everyone is winging it.”