I am on holiday in London and this morning we set off down the Kings Road to Waterstone’s book store and what did I see displayed in the window? The new book by Charlie Mackesy! I LOVE his work. So I went straight in and bought it. The young man at the desk told me I had made a “very good choice.”
Here is what Charlie Mackesy says in the introduction.
You started at the beginning, which is impressive, I usually start in the middle, and never read introductions. It’s surprising that I’ve made a book because I’m not good at reading them. The truth is I need pictures, they are like islands, places to get to in a sea or words.
This book is for everyone, whether you are eighty or eight—I feel like I’m both sometimes. I’d like it to be one you can dip into anywhere, anytime, start in the middle, if you like. Scribble on it, crease the corners and leave it well thumbed.
The drawings are mainly of a boy, a mole, a fox and a horse. I’ll tell you a little bit about them–although I’m sure you’ll see things here that I don’t so I’ll be quick.
The boy is lonely when the mole first surfaces. They spend time together gazing into the wild. I think the wild is a bit like life—frightening sometimes but beautiful.
In their wanderings they meet the fox. It’s never going to be easy meeting a fox if you’re a mole.
The horse is the biggest thing they have ever encountered and also the gentlest.
They are all different, like us, and each has their own weaknesses. I can see myself in all four of them, perhaps you can too.
When I was making the book I often wondered, who on earth am I to be doing this? But as the horse says: “the truth is everyone is winging it.”
So I say spread you wings and follow your dreams—this book is one of mine. I hope you enjoy it and much love to you. Thank you. Charlie.
Charlie Mackesy
The book is illustrated with Charlie Mackesy’s wonderful drawings and there is no type….just Mackesy’s own words in pen and ink.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough.
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