The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

By: Charlie Mackesy

Narrated by: Charlie Mackesy

Length: 58 mins

Publisher's summary

Narrated by Charlie Mackesy.

Brought to you by Penguin.

With music by Max Richter and Isobel Waller-Bridge.

Discover the universal tale of four unlikely friends that has captured the hearts of readers of all ages, now available in audio.

Adapted into a BAFTA and Academy Award-winning animated short film.

Experience the world 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.

Charlie's words and illustrations have brought comfort to many and have been shared online by readers around the world, as well as on t-shirts for Comic Relief, on magazine covers, on street lampposts in lockdown, in school classrooms, local cafés, and hospital ward walls. They've even been used as screensavers for NHS hospital computers in difficult times.

The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with readers of all ages.

Enjoy the journey of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse brought to life in audio by its author and illustrator Charlie Mackesy, with a beautiful music score and the real wildlife sounds of rural England.

©2020 Charlie Mackesy (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Charlie Mackesy's mesmerising debut combines the simplicity of The Giving Tree, magic of The Velveteen Rabbit and the curiosity of Paddington." (Elisabeth Egan, New York Times)

"This is one of my favourite books." (Dr Rangan Chatterjee)  

"Gorgeous." (Chris Evans)

Cliched, don’t spend your credit

I enjoyed this tale and I am sure as a childrens book or an addition to a meditation APP and I am sure the animation was awesome. BUT it 60 mins of Cliched phases (Delivered nicely) that add little vale. Didn’t really get the moral of the tale as there is no story ?

Really happy this guy achieved his ambition of writing a book nod I wish him well but suggest you don’t spend a credit on it.

Simply beautiful

I love it. I find the author voice very calming. Amazing book. Thank you

Beautiful reminders

A beautiful reminder of the essence of life and it’s lessons. Beautiful composed and calming.

Love, friendship and kindness!!!

This audible version expands the book, it has a natural ambiance that engulfs you and get you to feel love, friendship and kindness!

MT

wow

wow this book was absolutely beautiful and deep. loved how it was read and music and effects put the pictures in your mind

A must read

Very pleasing, soul comforting and inspiring book to listen to, for young and old.

Awesome for a young audience

Found the book to be ok, and I think it would be an even better read for a younger audience in terms of lessons being taught. As an adult I found my eyes rolling every now and then at the cliché lessons, and I found the story to be overall soppy for my liking.

Profoundly sensitive & inspiring book!

I just loved the artwork, sensitivity of the storyline & the narration of Charlie Mackesy

just amazing

love it so much, want to share it with all my friends xx thank you

Modern and refreshing perspective on life

Absolutely brilliant- best book I’ve ever had the honour of listening to. Suitable for young and old, really challenges thinking.

Outstanding & Unexpected Emotional Experience

I am 60 years old and have never, ever experienced such a moving, touching, sensory experience when listening to an audio book before - It was truly outstanding and totally unexpected.
Listening to Charlie Mackesy perform this much-loved book, enhancing the narration of the beautiful, heartfelt journey of the Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse exceeded all my expectations. The gentle description, the ethereal soundtrack and the unobtrusive sound effects of nature, all combined to enhance the emotional experience of listening to Charlie, whilst visually following his narration by viewing his lovely illustrations at the same time in my own copy of his delightful book.
It came upon me slowly, building as the story progressed, reaching into my heart, making me smile and at the end releasing such an unexpected rush of emotion - I am not ashamed to say that tears fell unchecked and that I sat quietly for a while revelling in the aftermath of the experience of this absolutely beautiful audiobook.
Thank you to Charlie and all contributors x (I would have liked to have given ten stars if possible!)

Beautiful

Just listened to the most beautiful audio book ever. The author's narration was so captivating & sensitive. Sound effects brilliant too. I had never come across this book before but it will remain a favourite which I will recommend.

Utterly profound and uplifting.

This book is a must for everyone, old and young, to understand why we are here and what is really important. The simplicity of the dialogue is ii's strength.
Just discovered it on Radio 4 extra and, as a Clinical Psychologist I intend to recommend it in therapy.The messages it gives are truly profound, and reinforces many well established psychological truths.
The story reading and the choice of accompanying music makes it delightful listening for all ages to support life's journey.

A most beautiful book !!

I absolutely love the story & Charlie’s illustrations are fantastic. I didn’t think the package could be bettered until I heard Charlie’s soothing & sincere voice. The whole experience is nothing short of magical !! Thank you Charlie x

Beautiful

The soft warming tones of Charlie with the music and background sound brings the book alive. This should be a gift everyone should receive at school, when sometimes you're very lost in the world. Thank you Charlie 🙏🏻

I almost cried

The most beautiful audiobook I heard this year (1st January 2021). It talks about vulnerability and love ❤️

My favourite book

I love how Charlie brings the book to life in this audiobook. A perfect book!

Beautiful story

Loved it so beautifully told keeps you in touch at all times. A new favourite of mine to end 2020 on.

Beautiful

Beautifully read by Charlie and beautiful music by Max Richter...a perfect combination. A very emotive story made even more emotive by the music.

Beautiful inside and out.

Profound wisdom woven into magical landscape and loving friends.
Beautifully narrated by the author.