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Book club questions for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy revolve around themes of vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love.
This is a novel packed with many philosophical questions that will ponder your mind. How can we find kindness within ourselves? What is the meaning of loneliness? Should we share our hopes and fears with others?
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a New York Times bestseller that teaches us life’s universal lessons. It is an incredible, thought-provoking work of art, a sweet tale that’s childlike in its simplicity, with a powerful message that brings people together. For me personally this has been one of the best books of 2022. that I’ve read, and I deeply recommend it!
Below, I have written my discussion guide for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, the synopsis of the book, and 11 book club questions which will keep the book club discussion flowing high. Also, don’t forget to read my book recommendations below the questions!
I hope you will enjoy discussing my book club discussion questions for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse!
Have fun analyzing the themes of the story with your book clubs, and let me know what are your thoughts. The following book club questions have been tailored to this book’s specific reading experience.✨
The Synopsis
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” asked the mole.
“Kind,” said the boy.
Charlie Mackesy offers inspiration and hope in uncertain times in this beautiful book, following the tale of a curious boy, a greedy mole, a wary fox and a wise horse who find themselves together in sometimes difficult terrain, sharing their greatest fears and biggest discoveries about vulnerability, kindness, hope, friendship and love. The shared adventures and important conversations between the four friends are full of life lessons that have connected with readers of all ages.
Book Club Questions for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
1. Near the beginning of Charlie Mackesy’s beautiful novel, 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.”
Bonus Book Club Questions
These are my additional book club questions that take a different approach on analyzing certain themes of the book.
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?
11. 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?
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed my book club and discussion questions for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy!
Here are some more of my book club recommendations:
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
You are the only you there ever has been or ever will be. You are unique in all the universe. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that it will never happen again. Written by New York Times best-selling author Kobi Yamada, this is a story for everything you will do and everything you can be. It’s a story about all the possibilities ahead of you. It’s for who you are right now and it’s for all the magical, unbounded potential you hold inside. With its beautiful visual storytelling and timeless message, Maybe is an inspiring story for kids of all ages.
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon by James Norbury
Big Panda and Tiny Dragon embark on a journey through the seasons of the year together. They get lost, as many of us do. But while lost, they discover many beautiful sights they’d never have found had they gone the right way. Told through a series of beautiful drawings and quiet, sometimes silly, conversations, the panda and the dragon explore the thoughts and emotions, hardships and happiness that connect us all. In nature, they learn how to live in the moment, how to be at peace with uncertainty, and how to find the strength to overcome life’s obstacles together.
Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, British author and artist James Norbury created the adventures of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon to share ideas that have helped him through difficult times. The book’s series of vignettes can be read cover to cover or dipped into whenever inspiration is needed. James hopes the book’s words and images will inspire others to pause, enjoy the stillness, and look at life in a positive new way.
Thank you for reading my book club questions and happy reading! ❤️