This past weekend, I had the very special treat of reading The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse. It was an utterly delightful book, and a soothing read given the stressful time we’re living in right now. I remember when I first saw the book at Barnes and Noble and spotted the sign that the bookseller had made The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse its Book of the Year for 2019, I wondered: what’s all the fuss? Now I more than get it, so I’ve created this reading group guide with discussion questions for The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse just for you.
I’d read many great books last year, and I was confused at how this slim unknown book could take the top prize. Now, having read it, I totally get it: this is a book we need right now. In this post, I’ve created a reading group guide for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. I’ll include a plot summary, 13 of the best quotes, and 10 discussion questions for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse.
Plot Summary of THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE
Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse centers around three companions. First, a boy meets a mole. Together, they become friends. Both are self-conscious about themselves in some way. For instance, the mole believes he’s too small. Meanwhile the boy hints at secret shame for his true self and needs to be constantly reassured that he is loved unconditionally.
Also, the mole loves cake. His desire for more cake brings a sense of humor to the story and becomes something of a running gag.
The boy and the mole set off on a journey through the wild countryside. As their trip continues, it seems to center around helping the boy find his way home. He implies being lost and expresses a desire to return home, a sentiment that the mole echoes when he says: “I think everyone is just trying to get home.”
The next creature they befriend is a fox who saves the mole’s life when he falls into a body of water. The fox does not say much at all. However, the boy and the mole welcome his friendly, if a bit standoffish, presence and accept him for who he is.
Finally, the boy, the mole, and the fox meet a kind horse who joins their journey. The horse is majestic and demonstrates that he can fly.
At last, the companions settle on the idea that they have a home with each other. Therefore, they are never lost.
10 Discussion Questions for THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE
Next up in our reading group guide for The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse, you’ll find 10 discussion questions for The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse. I love writing discussion questions and have been on a roll lately, with guides to Rebecca Serle’s In Five Years and Jenny Offill’s Weather.
1. A recurring theme in The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse is how the characters reframe negative thoughts and feelings.
For instance, the fox confesses that: “To be honest, I often feel I have nothing interesting to say.” In response, the horse says: “Being honest is always interesting.”
Find a few other examples of this technique. Then try it out on yourselves: challenge and reword a negative assumption or belief.
2. The concept of Radical Acceptance is demonstrated in this book when characters learn to accept themselves and others despite their flaws. Point to a few examples of when this happens in the story. What do you need to work on radically accepting about your life?
3. How does the book explore the concept of being lost and ultimately finding home?
4. At times, there are several pages filled with illustrations without words. How does Mackesy use artwork to enhance the story?
5. Several times in the book, the characters reflect on love. Point to at least three examples in the text where love comes up. How do these thought on love match with your own?
6. Pick a quote that resonates with you. Why were you drawn to these words in particular?
7. How would you describe the personality of each character in the story? How does Mackesy differentiate the four companions?
8. How does The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse promote kindness and compassion? How can you be a little kinder towards yourself?
9. In what ways does Mackesy include magical realism in the story? Do you find it takes you out of the story, or does it feel like a seamless component of the book?
10. If you could have anybody read this book after your recommendation, who would it be? Who needs The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse in their life and why?
13 Best Quotes from THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX AND THE HORSE
Here are 13 of the best quotes from Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Note that there are no page numbers in the book, so none have been included along with the quotes. Also, I’ve identified the speakers [like this] in brackets for clarity.
“I’m so small,” said the mole. “Yes,” said the boy. “But you make a huge difference.”
“What do you think success is?” asked the boy. “To love,” said the mole.
“What is that over there?” [asked the boy] “It’s the wild,” said the mole. “Don’t fear it.”
“One of our greatest freedoms is how we react to things.” [said the mole]
“We often wait for kindness… but being kind to yourself can start now,” said the mole.
“What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy. “Help,” said the horse.
“Asking for help isn’t giving up,” said the horse. “It’s refusing to give up.”
“The greatest illusion,” said the mole, “is that life should be perfect.”
“Sometimes I think you believe in me more than I do,” said the boy. “You’ll catch up,” said the horse.
“Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole. “I think I’m grateful to have a glass,” said the boy.
“When the dark clouds come…keep going.” [said the horse]
“We have such a long way to go,” sighed the boy. “Yes, but look how far we’ve come,” said the horse.
“What’s your best discovery?” asked the mole. “That I’m enough as I am,” said the boy.
More Books Like THE BOY, THE MOLE, THE FOX, AND THE HORSE
If you loved The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse, you’re probably wanting more great reads that promote compassion, acceptance, kindness, and friendship. Here are 4 more books to read if you liked The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse.
Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential in All of Us by Kobi Yamada
With gorgeous illustrations from Gabrielle Barouch, Maybe is a wondrous story of finding hope despite challenging circumstances. This slim book will help you find more self-acceptance, not to mention finding more meaning in your life. Although it’s designed for young readers, anyone can appreciate the positive message here.’
How to read it: Purchase Maybe on Amazon and add it on Goodreads
Navigate Your Stars by Jesmyn Ward
I loved the inspirational message in this book, which was originally a commencement speech. In Navigate Your Stars, Ward speaks with wisdom, tackling topics like staying humble and banishing shame. The utterly captivating, dream-like artwork by Gina Triplett make this story come alive.
How to read it: Purchase Navigate Your Stars on Amazon and add it on Goodreads
Rumple Buttercup: A Story of Bananas, Belonging, and Being Yourself by Matthew Gray Gubler
This sweet story made my Best Books of 2019 list. Rumple Buttercup is a charming tale about kindness featuring a sewer-dwelling creature who overcomes his shyness and self-loathing with the help of his friendly community.
How to read it: Purchase Rumple Buttercup on Amazon and add it on Goodreads
You Belong Here by M. H. Clark
This beautiful book is similar to The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and the Horse because it also helps boost your spirits. If you or someone you know has been feeling down lately, You Belong Here is a great gift that reminds you that you matter. Isabelle Arsenault’s illustrations paint a dreamy, soothing landscape where anything is possible.
How to read it: Purchase You Belong Here on Amazon and add it on Goodreads
Also be sure you check out my post with the best books that have happy endings:
And there you have it! A reading group guide for The Boy, The Mole, the Fox and the Horse. Hope you’ve enjoyed this book as much as I have.
