April 25, 2025
Comfort Reads: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse
by Charlie Mackesy
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy is a beautifully illustrated and deeply moving book that can resonate with readers of any age. The story follows the journey of four unlikely friends — a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse — as they explore themes of kindness, friendship, and self-acceptance.
The narrative is structured as a series of conversations and reflections, each offering a topic for the reader to meditate on. All the characters’ interactions throughout the book show the importance of having compassion, understanding, and the courage to be yourself around others. I love how the author is able to convey these themes in a gentle, accessible manner. The stunning artwork that goes alongside the narrative is a wonderful addition, and it makes the story a beautiful blend of visual and literary art.
This book has always been one of my comfort reads for many reasons. Sometimes when I’m just having a bad day, I’ll throw on the audiobook version and listen for the hour it takes to finish the book. Its gentle wisdom and heartfelt messages remind me to slow down and appreciate the simple joys in life. I typically reach for it when I’m in a slump or bad mood, just for the reminder that I should be kind to myself, even in tough times.
Whenever you need a moment of calm or a reminder of the goodness in the world, I recommend reading this book and finding comfort in its pages. Whether you’re reading it for the first time or the tenth, it never fails to tell you exactly what you need to hear.