Many of us acquainted with well-written children’s books have observed that just below the surface lies a wisdom that only adults can truly appreciate. One recent example supporting this observation is the whimsical tale, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse penned and illustrated by Charlie Mackesy. This modern-day fable offers numerous mini-lessons on vulnerability and courage, personal significance, forgiveness of self, and friendship. These lessons are appreciated fully only by adult readers who have the advantage of their life experiences.
By happenstance, this little book came to my attention through an email from a friend. She thought, I, as an avid reader, might be interested in it. I googled to learn more about this little children’s book. Reviews pointed out that Charlie Mackesy’s tale was quickly becoming adored by its adult readers. Although released in October 2019, predating the onset of the pandemic, it contains messages well suited to these days.
Well, of course, I couldn’t wait to enjoy this book and had it downloaded to my Kindle. It touched my heart as I read the simple but profound dialogue, initially in the encounters between the Boy and the Mole, and their later meetings with the Fox and eventually the Horse. I was not disappointed by the adages delivered in their little nuggets of conversations nestled among ‘just drawn’ looking images. I found myself being gifted with wisdom akin to the philosophy of life embedded in the lines of Winnie the Pooh, The Wind in the Willows, and The Giving Tree.
What I possess now is a new-found treasure of sixty-seven pages. Perhaps, especially rich was the opportunity provided by the book and the circumstances afforded by the pandemic to share her recommended book over the telephone with my friend now in self-isolation. I know our mutual story time was memorable for both of us. In her self-isolation daily scribbles, she wrote to her contacts:
“Last evening one of my friends who lives just a few doors down the hallway called to read me a bedtime story. I dimmed the lights, wrapped myself in my prayer shawl, all ears to listen to the tale she was about to read to me, on the phone.”
“To have a story read to you is such an exquisite gift. Listening to my friend’s voice with the lovely inflections as she read and described the magnificent drawings in the book with such tenderness, was balm for my weary soul. It was magical.”
My friend and I invite you to enjoy this endearing tale. Already translated into seventeen languages, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, is well on its way to becoming a classic children’s book.
-Nancy Wales csj | Magdalena Vogt cps