A Book For Your Comfort Collection
Comfort books are books that I pick up when I’m feeling low or lonely and I can lean into for a dose of peace and gentle reminders that life is good, and all will be well. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, is the most recent addition to that book collection.
This is a story of a lonely boy, a mole who loves cake, a fox who loves moles, and a gentle horse that can fly. It’s a magical book with wistful illustrations that draw you into the very place and the very moment of their conversations together.
This is the first book by artist, Charlie Mackesy, who was born “during a very cold snowy winter” in Northumberland, England. He never went to art school but began as a cartoonist for The Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. Today his art is featured in books, private collections, and public spaces, including women’s safe houses, around the world.
On his website, he notes that: “His journey with The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has consumed him. He lives in their world a lot of the time and has loved making the book.”
Written for all ages, “eighty or eight”, the book encourages us 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.”
Here are some of my favorite conversations between the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse:
“What do you think is the biggest waste of time?” (The boy)
“Comparing yourself to others,” said the mole.
“I wonder if there is a school of unlearning.” (The boy)
“One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things.” (the mole)
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.
“Help,” said the horse.
“What’s your best discovery?” asked the mole.
“That I’m enough as I am,” said the boy.
If you’re needing a little comfort, consider becoming acquainted with a Boy, a Mole, a Fox and a Horse. And if you’ve begun looking for Christmas gifts, this is an excellent choice. (Books, by the way, are always great Christmas gifts!)
Enter to win a copy of this book. Entry details can be found on my Facebook and Instagram pages, just use the links below.