A few days before my 60th birthday, an unexpected package appeared in the mailbox.  Tucked inside was a book, the title of which had coincidentally recently been added to my reading wish list – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy.  Such a thoughtful gift from a dear cousin in celebration of the day I was born.

Eager to become immersed in its contents, I stole away to The Snuggery.  Nestled in the glider rocker, candles glowing, a cup of coffee within reach, the ambiance was just right for what I suspected would be an indelible literary encounter.  An enchanting impressionist sketch illustrated the book’s front cover, depicting a young boy holding a mole while a horse nuzzles his head and a fox sits sentry nearby.  Having raised a couple of animal enthusiasts, the image was immediately captivating.  By the conclusion of the introduction it was clear my initial suspicion was confirmed.

Each page revealed a delightful surprise, a whimsical pen and ink drawing, some deftly enhanced by watercolor, others left black and white, paired with a handwritten erudite message.  The narrative follows a young boy and his creature companions as they venture on a journey known to us all…a journey of self discovery as well as a discovery of self in relationship…in short, life.  On the fifth page, the mole asks the boy what he wants to be when he grows up.  When the young boy responds to the mole’s query with a single word, “Kind,” and on the following page defines success as “to love,” I recognized a kindred spirit in this author. 

Reading this excerpt temporarily transported me back in time to those first weeks following the birth of each of my sons.  While we were in the midst of just beginning to become acquainted with one another, people were already asking, “What do you want him to be when he grows up?”  Gazing into those innocent, yet ancient newborn eyes, I replied, “Good.  I want him to be good.  Of all the things he may become, none of them will matter if he’s not a good person.”  Persisting, they asked, “But what do you want him to be able to do?”  “Love and be loved, the greatest gifts one can give or receive,” I said.  

As is the case with, I daresay, most children, my youthful imagination was rife with fantasies of animals, both alive and stuffed, endowed with the power of speech.  Mackesy’s book is composed entirely of dialogue between the boy and his benevolent, four-legged companions, wherein every exchange offers a powerful message of affirmation.  The words children attribute to animals typically reflect what they have heard from the adults in their lives.  Considering the tenderness and genuine caring evident in the relationships between these characters, one can assume Mackesy’s real world has been inhabited by people exhibiting these qualities.  Dedicating the book to his “lovely kind mum” provides additional evidence supporting this assumption.                

Although reminiscent of A.A. Milne, whose Hundred-Acre Wood was populated with a colorful assortment of animal friends for Christopher Robin, Charlie Mackesy’s work reveals his own distinctive voice.  His characters, with their lack of distinguishing features, readily assume whatever identity the reader projects upon them.  The boy represents every child, including the child that dwells within each of us.  The mole, fox, and horse purvey the voices of experience, encouragement, support, wisdom, and love anyone would benefit from listening to throughout their journey.

At first glance, this volume would likely be classified as a children’s book.  The rudimentary cover art belies the profound, timeless, universal themes explored within.  Using straightforward prose, Mackesy shares a unique, clever perspective on some heretofore cliche’ expressions.  My favorite is the boy’s response to the age old question as to whether the glass is half empty or half full.  He reports just being happy to have a glass.  Beware the bookseller deciding where to shelve this book since it could easily fit in any number of categories – philosophy, psychology, self help, parenting – not unlike much of what is regarded as merely children’s literature.  

While taking only about ten minutes to read from cover to cover, the lessons from The Boy, the mole, the fox and the Horse may require a lifetime of learning and practice.  As is so often the case, that which seems simple is anything but easy.  Worthy of revisiting regularly, it is a book to be savored and shared.  In addition to reading it aloud to Jerry,  copies have been given to both sons, my parents, my mother-by-love, my sister, and recommended to countless friends.  When Joseph sent me a picture showing it had been selected by Barnes and Noble as the book of the year, I was not surprised.  How satisfying and reassuring to know that in this time of discord, uncertainty, and doubt Charlie Mackesy’s message of kindness, courage, and love achieves such status.  A testament that the paramount desire to love and be loved persists.