Always Remember: The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, the Horse and the Storm

by Charlie Mackesy

‘One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did’

Charlie Mackesy’s four unlikely friends are wandering through the wilds again. They’re not sure what they are looking for. They do know that life can be difficult, but that they love each other, and cake is often the answer.

When the dark clouds come, can the boy remember what he needs to get through the storm?


The hugely anticipated new book from Charlie Mackesy, revisiting the much-loved world of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse – the bestselling adult non-fiction book of all time, with over ten million readers around the world.

Genres: Fiction, Graphic Novels, Childrens, Poetry, Art, Philosophy, Picture Books

128 pages, Hardcover

First published October 14, 2025

About the author

Charlie Macksey was born during a snowy winter in Northumberland. He has been a cartoonist for The Spectator and a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. He has collaborated with Richard Curtis for Comic Relief, and Nelson Mandela on a lithograph project, 'The Unity Series.' Collectors of Mackesy's works include Elizabeth Gilbert, Whoopi Goldberg, Roger Waters, Richard Curtis, The Murdoch Freuds, Tim Bevan, M. Night Shyamalan, Bear Grylls, Howard Goodall, Harry Enfield, and Sting. He has lived and painted in South Africa, Southern Africa, and New Orleans. He co-runs a social enterprise, Mama Buci, in the Zambian copperbelt, which helps families of low and no income to become beekeepers.

Reviews

[Carolyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Charlie Macksey, for giving the world more hope, love, kindness, and courage through your beautiful artwork and comforting words.

We can find parts of ourselves, and our own experiences, in each of the characters. The mole feels especially familiar… *starts dreaming of muffins, pastries, and other sweet treats*

This book, and its predecessor, are true companions. I know they’ll continue to help me through life, as I’m sure they’ll help you through yours as well.

~ Notes on the illustrations (as an illustrator myself) ~
~ I loved how Charlie Macksey used different mediums throughout the book! It made turning each page such a thrill. As I read, I eagerly awaited to see what my eyes would feast upon next… *thinks of feasting upon cake*
~ I admire how gestural each piece of art is, because I often draw very tightly. The loose fluidity of the line work is truly inspiring.
~ The ripped page with the sheet music and notes peaking through was brilliant!!!
~ Each and every little artistic detail was a dream come true for this fellow animal, nature, music, art, word, and cake lover.

[Emma.catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books that belongs in every home 🏡

5 years ago, at the lowest point in my life, sat alone in a mental hospital, I was gifted ‘The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse’ by a dear friend. It gave me a small slice of hope that has grown slowly over time.

This Christmas I am in a very different place, mentally and geographically, and once again I was gifted this very special book - ‘Always remember’

Despite being stronger, I can still (if not more) appreciate the beauty that lies within these pages.

'One day you'll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did' 👣 😭 💖 ✨

Always remember is a book of unbelievable beauty. Easily read in one sitting, every page is to be cherished. Filled with stunning illustrations and incredibly touching messages, this is a book I know I will come back to time and time again. Furthermore, this is a book for all ages, reminding us that no matter what storm comes our way, we are loved, valued, and there are always blue skies on the horizon.

5 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of seeing Charlie speak about this book last night. It has the same characters you know and love from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. They are vulnerable, they learn from each other, and they go on a new journey. And Mole still loves cake. This book has beautiful, colourful illustrations by Charlie, with more artistic styles showcased than in his first book. The art is gorgeous. The messages are valuable and heartfelt. This book feels like a warm hug on a cold winter’s day.

[Lexi · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

To end 2025 with this book, let alone this series, is some kind of wonderful. As this overwhelming and difficult December comes to an end, I plan to carry every word that I have just read with me into and throughout 2026. Don’t be surprised if next December you see me read both book again. Just kindly hit the like button and look away. 🤭🤭🤭.

“One day you’ll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did.”

“Be patient with yourself. Shouting at a flower won’t make it bloom.”

“Be kind to your soft wild heart.”

“One of the kindest things you can do is be gentle with yourself.”

“There were dark days, but you didn’t give up.”

“Often the best answer is just to listen.”

“Sometimes the tiniest act of kindness can save a life.”

“I know my mind can play tricks on me, and tell me I’m no good, that it’s all hopeless. But I need to remember who I am, that I am loved, I matter, and I bring to this world things no one else can. So I’ll hold on.”

“I think it’s time to be a friend to myself…to start loving myself.”

“Hope is the quiet song in your heart that can sing in spite of everything.”

“It takes courage to love.”

“Some flowers bloom later than others, and they are spectacular when they do. Take all the time you need.”

“This life. Seize it.”
~~~~~~~
***Pre-Read:*** I have spent the last 3 days restless. Not being able to find peace and quiet in order read has been exhausting. Oooghmee!!! 😩😩😩!!! And now, the time has come for me to read my final book of 2025. 🥺🥺🥺.

[Zoe]

"One day you'll look back and realise how hard it was, and just how well you did."

Feels a bit like fate that this arrived on my doorstop today as I really needed to hear these words. Thank you to Charlie Mackesy for always having the right words, combined with some absolutely fantastic illustrations. While I am always at risk of crying with these characters, I never fail to appreciate them!

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️

[We_Read_ at_Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie Mackesy just has it. The Heart strings are always pulled and in the best way possible.

His books feel like a big hug, a warm cup of coffee, and a breath of fresh air.

Not to mention the beautiful illustrations that come with such uplifting stories.

I can’t get enough of these books!

I love them:)

Happy reading!

[Demi Stein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gewoon weer prachtig ❤️

[endlessbookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Devoured in one setting despite my best efforts to savour each page. The illustrations and messages were so adorable and I’m the mole and the mole is me :’)

[Lavins · Rating 5 out of 5]

10000000 stars

Randomly one night I saw the TV Apple adaptation of this book and it was absolutely amazing, beautiful, wonderful, magic, fantastic.

If you haven't seen the TV Apple animated version, do yourself a favor, go watch it. It doesn't matter if you're 80 years old, 32, 16 etc. Watch it! It's worth every second.

And then, read the book.

[Dana Al-Basha | دانة الباشا · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charlie outdid himself yet again... what a wonderful book, so beautiful, kind, and magical. I love his work.

[Synne Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Illustrasjonene. Sitatene. Yes 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

“Be patient with yourself. Shouting at a flower won’t make it bloom”

[Amber (ambervgn) :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“als je denkt dat iedereen van je houdt…’ zei de vos. ‘hoop ik dat je jezelf daar ook toe rekent.”

de tekeningen van dit boek zijn zo waanzinnig mooi, nog mooier dan die van deel 1. en het lettertype is nu ook beter leesbaar. echt een aanrader voor jong en oud 🤍

“heb geduld met jezelf. van schreeuwen tegen een bloem gaat hij niet bloeien”

[Anvi (warner's version) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“When you think of everyone you love, I hope you include yourself.” ❤️

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Remember is a continuation of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. I didn’t see as much content that felt new and original, but I still greatly enjoyed it. If you don’t know these books, they are full of loving themes for living your best life, being positive and loved. This one in particular is about persevering even through hard times. It is full of positive self-talk messages. My favorite message was this: “This is getting harder, said the boy. “Then every step you take is a bigger victory.” (said the horse.) The format could be perceived as a graphic novel, but I see it as more of a philosophical story with illustrations.

[Grace Mal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guys, I read the introduction and started weeping.
This book was exactly what I needed--I think it might be even better than the first. A bold statement, I know. But, everything he said...I needed to take a small break after every page. It just hurt in all the right ways. I giggled and sobbed and marveled at the amazing art.
This should be required reading for everyone. It is a masterpiece. The words are for everyone, the art is gorgeous, and the message is one we all need to hear.
Thank you, Charlie!!!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, I just can't post my favourite quote, because all of them are wonderful ♡ A beautiful book with wonderful poems, wise lessons, and magnificent drawings :)

[Mohadese · Rating 1 out of 5]

من قبلا کتاب "پسرک ، موش کور، روباه و اسب" رو از این نویسنده خونده بودم و این‌قدر گوگولی بود که آدم رو بغل می‌کرد. این کتاب هم با لبخند توی ده دقیقه خوندم و ناز بود اما هیچ حرف جدیدی نداشت و تمام جملات و نقاشی‌ها تکراری بود 🫠
واقعا ارزش نداره حدود ۴۰۰ت براش هزینه کنید، مگر مثل من تو یه کتابفروشی تنها نشسته باشید و بخواهید وقتتون رو پر کنید!

پ.ن: کاشکی این کتاب‌ها رو قطع جیبی می‌زدن کمتر کاغذ اسراف شه. 😭🫠

[Joana Alves | Juca Mindscape · Rating 5 out of 5]

“— O que é melhor... — perguntou o menino — encontrar bolo ou comê-lo?
— Procurá-lo contigo. — disse a toupeira.” 🥹

Há livros bonitos, há livros especiais...
E depois há livros como este, uma combinação rara dos dois, que nos marcam o coração de uma forma tão bonita e mágica.
Livros que nos lembram as pequenas, mas mais importantes, mensagens da vida.
São como a inocência das crianças: reais, genuínos, impossíveis de ler sem arrepiar.
Este livro é pura arte.

Tal como o anterior do autor, é daqueles que queremos ter na estante para ler e reler, revisitar sempre que precisarmos de um pouco de esperança.❤️‍🩹

[Min · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever pre-ordered!

I loved The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and similarly enjoyed this one, with its lovely illustrations and uplifting messaging.

[Cassandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

this one really came for my throat. the mole is easily my favourite in this but overall what a wonderful little book. it may read quick, but this kind of message lives on forever. i've now read both books back to back and i can already tell this one will sit with me for a while and i'm a-okay with that. it deserves to be thought of over and over again.

read this duo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Kriti | Armed with A Book]

Reading Always Remember by Charlie Mackesy felt like a warm reminder to pause, breathe, and love myself through the hard moments. I thought about my new mom days a lot — how hard they were, and how well we did. Read my full review with some pages from the book on my blog (https://armedwithabook.com/always-rem...).

[Chardonay Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hits me hard. the part about the dark clouds and loving yourself made me feel emotional. it was also very eye opening. I really loved it. plus the doodles and the other illustrations were really awesome aswell.
i had the waterstones exclusive edition. and it is really beautifull. im glad i pre ordered it.

[Andrew Angelastro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book was one of the best books I’ve ever read. This book came out at a time when I needed it most. I will never forget the lessons this story teaches me everytime I read it.

[BooksNCrannies · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simplistically poignant story "about four unlikely friends who have no idea where they are going or what they are looking for...."

✏️ Review ✏️ [reread: December 2025]

I went through this story a second time to absorb it more and gather my favorite quotes. Always Remember is such a sweet little tale. :⁠-⁠)

✏️ Review ✏️ [November 2025]

The boy, the horse, the fox, and the mole return in a touching and colorful sequel. This friendship quartet continues its journey of hope, meaning, and love in a way that explores and expresses simple truths that all of us need to remind ourselves of.

The uncluttered plot allows simplistic — yet what we so often imagine to be complex — threads of truth to be presented in a straightforward, easy-to-grasp manner. I thoroughly enjoyed Always Remember and think it to be a worthy sequel to The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse (and if the last page of Always Remember is to be any indication, I'm confident there will be another book coming out eventually). Such a sweet story! (#ambushedbycake 🩵)

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📊 A Quick Overview 📊

👍🏼 What I Liked:
• The characters — they're have distinct personalities and each bring an enjoyable facet to the story.
• The concise presentation of simple truths.
• The writing style — it's straightforward and easy to follow.
• The illustrations — even though they're more stylistic, the illustrations still bring this story to life (it is a graphic novel after all).

👎🏼 What I Did Not Like:
• (Can't think of anything particular atm...)

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❓ To Read or Not To Read? ❓

— Would I recommend this book? Of course!*

— To whom? To those who have read and enjoyed The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse, which is the predecessor of this book.

*(Note: I leave it up to each individual to decide the maturity and discernment level required to read the books I recommend, based on my content warnings below [in my Book Breakdown]. My content warnings [if any] should always be considered alongside my recommendations when deciding who these books are best suited for.)

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📖 BOOK BREAKDOWN 📖 (Overall: 4/5)
~Fundamentals {Graphic Novel Version}: (1=worst; 5=best)
— 📈 Plot: 3.5/5
— 🎨 Illustrations: 4/5
— 👥 Characters: 4/5

~Content: (0=none; 1=least; 5=most)

— 🤬 Language: 0/5

— ⚔️ Violence: 0/5

— ⚠️ Sexual: 0/5

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📣 Random Comments 📣

• (None)

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💬 Favorite Quotes 💬

• "You have a song in you no one else can sing."

• "Be patient with yourself. Shouting at a flower won't make it bloom."

• "What is a true sign of strength?"
"Gentleness."

• "Sometimes... every step you take is a victory."

• "Often the best answer is just to listen."

• "Sometimes the tiniest act of kindness can save a life."

• "Hope is the quiet song in your heart that can sing in spite of everything."

• "We often hear of the hatred while rivers of love and courage pass by unnoticed."

[tteise · Rating 5 out of 5]

If Kaleia reads this out loud to me and the kids, is it an audiobook or a physical book 🤔🤔

[maya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this standing in a crowded Indigo.

[Dannii Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will make you sob and make you feel seen. No matter your story.

"When you think of everyone you love," said the fox, "I hope you include yourself."

[Lara Olthof]

Opa gaf mij dit kinderboek voor als ik me weer druk maak om dingen.

“‘Ik heb zoveel vragen,’ zei de jongen. ‘Taart is meestal het antwoord,’ zei de mol.”

[Lucía Cafeína · Rating 4 out of 5]

Todas las tormentas terminan.