British artist Charlie Mackesy has written and illustrated a simple story of gathered and essential wisdom. Combining whimsical text and illustrations, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse is truth and fantasy.
A boy meets a mole who likes cake. Together they meet a fox who helps them in a time of great need. Then the three friends meet a horse. They form an unlikely foursome, slowly growing in their trust and friendship for each other and the world, through important questions that are always offered gentle answers.
“What do you think is the biggest waste of time?” asks the boy. “Comparing yourself to others,” says the mole. The questions continue: “I wonder if there is a school of unlearning?” “Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, is it?”
Reminiscent of the relationship between Christopher Robin and Winnie-the-Pooh (A.A. Milne) or the little prince and the pilot (Antoine de Saint-Exupéry), this slim volume holds out an invitation for sweet reflection. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse is an endearing gift book for all ages. (Harper One /HarperCollins)
About the Author
Jenny deGroot is a freelance media review and news writer for The Banner. She lives on Swallowfield Farm near Fort Langley B.C. with her husband, Dennis. Before retirement she worked as a teacher librarian and assistant principal.