The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse by Charlie Macksey – Discussion Questions

1. Near the beginning of Charlie Mackesy’s beautiful novel The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse the boy tells the mole that when he grows up he wants to be kind. What adjective do you want to be when you grow up, regardless if you’re already eighty or eight? How do you think you can achieve it?

2. The mole loves cake, almost obsessively. Cake brings him joy, helps him foster community and gives him hope for the future. What is your cake? If it’s a food item, consider making some to share with those you love most.

3. The mole explains that “being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses.” How can you be especially kind to yourself today?

4. What is the gentlest advice you’ve received recently? Illustrate it as if it is part of a Charlie Mackesy piece in the space below.

5. The horse says, “we all need a reason to keep going, what’s yours?” How would you answer this question? Has your answer changed throughout your life?

6. A teacup stain features prominently in an illustration. Look around you, can you reclaim something that seems stained or ruined and turn it into art? It could be an old napkin, a scrap paper used for practicing math, or even a ripped piece of clothing.

7. If you were to make your own version of this book, what four characters would you include? What sayings would you include? Make your own drawing, poem, song, or even video based off this idea.

8. Does this book make you think of anyone? Reach out to them, perhaps remind them that “life is difficult- but you are loved.”

9. Mackesy emphasizes the importance of not becoming overwhelmed by your fears. Is there a song that helps you not be afraid? Play it right now.

10. Instead of concluding with “the end” the book finishes with the phrase “look how far we’ve come.” What does that mean to you? How far have you come to be where you are today?

Bonus: After reading The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse, what page in the book resonated with you most? What insight will you carry with you?

Discussion Questions written by Duke Divinity MDiv student, JJ Dickinson.