The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse Deluxe (Yellow) Edition
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By: Charlie Mackesy
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER - USA TODAY BESTSELLER "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is not only a thought-provoking, discussion-worthy story, the book itself is an object of art."- Elizabeth Egan, The New York Times A deluxe edition with special endpapers and a yellow spine. From British illustrator, artist, and author Charlie Mackesy comes a journey for all ages that explores life's universal lessons, featuring 100 color and black-and-white drawings. "What do you want to be when you grow up?" asked the mole. "Kind," said the boy. Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with readers of all ages.
AI Overview
Title: "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy
Overview: "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" is an illustrated book written and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy. The book tells the story of an unlikely friendship between four characters: a boy, a mole, a fox, and a horse. The narrative follows their journey as they navigate through various landscapes, sharing moments of joy, sorrow, and self-discovery.
Plot Summary: The story is largely visual, with Mackesy's illustrations conveying the emotional depth and the developing relationships between the characters. The boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse embark on a journey that is both metaphorical and literal. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and learn valuable lessons about friendship, love, and perseverance. The book does not follow a traditional narrative structure but instead focuses on the emotional connections and the universal themes that emerge from their interactions.
Key Themes:
- Friendship: The book highlights the importance of forming and maintaining friendships, even in the face of adversity.
- Perseverance: The characters face numerous challenges, but they continue to support each other, demonstrating resilience and determination.
- Self-Discovery: Through their experiences, the characters learn more about themselves and each other, fostering a deeper understanding and empathy.
- Emotional Intelligence: The book explores themes of suffering, loneliness, and uncertainty, showing that these are common human experiences and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Critical Reception:
- Commercial Success: The book became a bestseller and was included in James Lovegrove's 2019 best picture book list in the Financial Times. It won several awards, including the 2019 Barnes & Noble Book of the Year and the 2019 Waterstones Book of the Year.
- Critical Praise: The book has been praised for its aesthetically pleasing format and its ability to convey deep emotional themes through simple yet powerful illustrations. Critics have noted that the characters' relatable problems make the book accessible to readers of all ages.
- Awards and Recognition: The book was shortlisted for the 2020 British Book Awards Non-Fiction Lifestyle Book of the Year, reflecting its impact and recognition within the literary community.
Animated Adaptation: In 2022, an animated short film adaptation of the book was released, directed by Peter Baynton and co-produced by J.J. Abrams and Hannah Minghella. The film features the voices of Jude Coward Nicoll, Tom Hollander, Idris Elba, and Gabriel Byrne. It premiered on BBC One and Apple TV+, and it won the Best Animated Short Film Academy Award in 2023.
Overall, "The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse" by Charlie Mackesy is a poignant and universally relatable tale that explores the complexities of human (and animal) relationships through simple yet powerful storytelling and beautiful illustrations.