Graphic Novel Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

~ Book Club Mom

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

I’ve been wanting to read this short graphic novel for a long time, but it’s always checked out at the library! I finally got my hands on it and, in an effort to tell you more about my new experiences reading graphic novels, I want to share my review of this lovely little book.

While the beautiful illustrations suggest that this is a children’s book, the author clarifies in his introduction that this collection of encouraging sayings is for readers of all ages. We may have heard most of these adages, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need to be reminded, for example, to be kind to ourselves and others, that it’s okay to be scared of the world out there and that friendship and love are the most important things in our lives.

In a simple style, Mackesy covers all the fears and insecurities we experience. He writes that it’s okay to cry, for example because “Tears fall for a reason and they are your strength not weakness.” I especially like the line, “When the big things feel out of control focus on what you love right under your nose.”

I enjoyed reading this inspirational book and looking at the illustrations. I will note that the pictures and sentiments remind me a lot of Christopher Robin and Pooh, however, which diminished my feelings for the book a bit (honest opinion). But I suppose there’s nothing wrong with being reminded of the wonderful adventures in the Hundred Acre Wood, especially when the message is so positive.

Thanks for visiting – come back soon!

43 thoughts on “Graphic Novel Review: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy”

  2. This would be a lovely book to have on the coffee table so it can be dipped into at any time. I’m going to check it out. Thanks, Barbara.

  3. Hi Barb! I have purchased this book as a gift for employees as well as for recent high school grads. I use it as a reference when I’m searching for an encouraging word. I have several bookmarks in my copy!

    1. Hi Lauri – I think it would make a perfect gift, all ages! I’m currently circulating it around our house 🙂 Thanks for stopping by – hope you are doing well 🧡

  5. I’ve read this book–more than once and concur with you that it appeals to all ages. Yes, and the book does remind me a lot of the “Pooh” series.

    1. Hi Jacqui – I’ll have to look at that one. We have it in our library system – just checked! Thanks for the recommendation and the visit 🙂

  10. I wonder if the illustrator meant for it to remind people of Pooh, in that it would give them happy thoughts as a result. Either way, sounds very cute!

    1. I’ve been thinking that might be the case and happy results either way. I hate to be critical of a nice book. I definitely teared up when I read it. Thanks for the visit!

  12. I was excited to get this book when I finally did. I love the art work. But I was surprised at how much it ‘felt like’ Pooh as well. I was actually kind of sad when I put it down. When I read it it felt all too familiar and predictable.

    1. Hi Colleen – I know what you’re saying. I did enjoy the book, though. I’m sure the author/illustrator must have been influenced by all the Christopher Robin and Pooh stories. We watched a lot of Pooh videos when our kids were small and one, especially, Pooh’s Grand Adventure – there are a lot of similarities. You can’t argue with good advice, though, even if it’s been spoken before. Thank you for stopping by and commenting!

      1. You’re welcome 🙂 Yes, I hope I didn’t sound too critical. I could actually hear “Pooh’s” voice (as I know it) as I read it. You can’t ask for a sweeter influence for sure.

  13. It was a lovely book. Husband’s cousin (in her 80s) sent us a copy of this book. I had heard the title somewhere and assumed it was just a children’s story and couldn’t imagine why she sent it to us. But I was delighted by the lessons appropriate for adults and children. And sometimes we adults need to be reminded of lessons in a simple way. I enjoyed reading children’s books to my children and grandchild…and I still have them all.

  15. HI Barbara, it certainly sounds like an interesting read although your comments about AA Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh. I was sad to read that his son, Christopher, distance himself from his parents because of the success of this book. I wonder if he also distanced himself from all the royalties.

    1. Hi Robbie, yes I remember reading that the real Christopher didn’t like that there were stories about him. You make a good point about royalites. CR and Pooh are such beloved characters, it’s hard to imagine being angy about that. Thank you for reading and commenting!

  16. I have been curious about this book for some time now. Thanks for the review. This one might be best as a print book I think.

    1. Hi Darlene – yes I think print is the best format. I guess it would be okay on a Kindle Fire or a tablet, though. Thanks for stopping by!

    1. We have (all 6 of us) all the Pooh videos in our heads and now and then a phrase from one of them comes out in conversation. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Hope you’re keeping cool – I hear it’s pretty hot down there right now!

      1. It’s miserable here – deep summer – about the time I start longing for fall. Just got back from Utah where it was even hotter, but without the humidity. The heat really affects me now so I have to be careful! Hope you are cool and comfortable (inside)!

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