In Charlie Mackesy’ s enchanting book, “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” we are taken on a journey of profound simplicity and deep wisdom. This collection of quotes encapsulates the essence of Mackesy’ s narrative—a tale that resonates with the young and the old alike. Each quote, like a pearl of wisdom, offers a unique perspective on life, love, and the importance of companionship and kindness.

The characters in Mackesy’s world—the inquisitive boy, the wise horse, the cautious mole, and the reserved fox—engage in conversations that seem deceptively simple yet are laden with profound insights. These dialogues, which range from the importance of asking for help to the beauty of being ordinary, reveal the depth and complexity of our emotions and the universal quest for connection and understanding.
As we delve into these quotes, we find that they are a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity and the power of kindness. Mackesy’s work is a testament to the idea that the most profound truths in life are often conveyed through the simplest of conversations.
In this post, I’m excited to share some of the most touching and insightful quotes from “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.” Let’s explore these quotes together and find the small, yet significant, lessons they impart.
Check out: The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse Summary and Book Club Questions
The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse Quotes
Here are some stand-out quotes from The Boy the Mole the Fox and the Horse:
1. “How do they look so together and perfect?” asked the boy.
“There’s a lot of frantic paddling going on beneath,” said the horse.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
2. “sometimes,” said the horse.
“sometimes what?” asked the boy.
“Sometimes just getting up and carrying on is brave and magnificent.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
3. “Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, is it?’ asked the boy.
‘No,’ said the mole. ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
4. “Is your glass half empty or half full?” asked the mole.
“I think I’m grateful to have a glass,” said the boy. ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
5. “What do we do when our hearts hurt?” asked the boy.
“We wrap them with friendship, shared tears and time, till they wake hopeful and happy again.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
6. “Sometimes I worry you’ll all realise I’m ordinary,” said the boy.
“Love doesn’t need you to be extraordinary.” said the mole.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
7. “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.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
8. “What do you think is the biggest waste of time?”
“Comparing yourself to others,” said the mole.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
9. “When the dark clouds come……keep going” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
10. “This is easily my favourite place’ said the mole
‘Why?’ asked the boy
‘Because you are all here,” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
11. “Do you have any other advice?” asked the boy.
“Don’t measure how valuable you are by the way you are treated,” said the horse.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
12. “So you know all about me?’ asked the boy.
‘Yes.’ said the horse.
‘And you still love me?’
‘We love you all the more.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
13. “What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Kind,” said the boy.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
14. “When things get difficult remember who you are.’
‘Who am I?’ asked the boy
‘You are loved’ said the horse” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
15. “Always remember you matter, you’re important and you are loved, and you bring to this world things no one else can.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
16. “We have such a long way to go,” sighed the boy
“Yes, but look how far we’ve come,” said the horse” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
17. “Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
18. “I’m so small,” said the mole. “Yes,” said the boy, “but you make a huge difference.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
19. “Home isn’t always a place is it?” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
20. “I can’t see a way through,” said the boy
“Can you see your next step?” “Yes.” “Just take that,” said the horse.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
21. “When the big things feel out of control, focus on what you love right under your nose.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
22. “Most of the old moles I know wish they had listened less to their fears and more to their dreams.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
23. “To be honest, I often feel I have nothing interesting to say,” said the fox.
“Being honest is always interesting,” said the horse.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
24. “Sometimes I feel lost,” said the boy.
“Me too,” said the mole, “but we love you, and love brings you home.” ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
25. “Sometimes I want to say I love you all,” said the mole, “but I find it difficult.”
“Do you?” said the boy.
“Yes, so I say something like I’m glad we are all here.”
“Ok,” said the boy.
“I’m glad we are all here.”
“We are so glad you are here, too.”
― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
26. “What do you think success is?” asked the boy.
“To love,” said the mole. ― Charlie Mackesy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
Final thoughts
As we reach the end of our journey through the heartwarming quotes from “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse,” it’s evident that Charlie Mackesy has crafted a masterpiece that speaks to the soul. Each quote is a gentle nudge, reminding us of the fundamental truths that govern our lives—kindness, bravery, friendship, and love. The simplicity of Mackesy’s words, paired with the depth of their meaning, creates a beautiful paradox that resonates deeply with readers of all ages.
What’s truly remarkable about these quotes is their ability to transcend the pages of the book and find a place in our everyday lives. They encourage us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the small yet significant moments. Whether it’s acknowledging the bravery in asking for help, the joy of doing nothing with friends, or the importance of being kind over being right, these quotes offer guidance and comfort.