Charlie Mackesy

Charlie Mackesy is an award-winning British author, illustrator, and poet. His first published book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse (2019) has received critical acclaim both in the United Kingdom and abroad. His work has made a global impact and resonated with readers of all ages.

Mackesy was born in Cambridge and grew up in Oxfordshire. He attended art college in Stratford and worked as an art teacher before turning his attention to writing and illustrating. He began his career in 2003 as a children’s book illustrator and has since worked with many of the leading publishing houses in the UK including Puffin, Walker and Tate Publishing. He is best known for illustrating the summery picture book series ‘Chuckle Buster’, published by Pavilion Books.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse is Mackesy's first full-length book and is written for an adult audience. It has become a global bestseller, having been published in over 37 countries. The book offers deep exploration into friendship, happiness and life. The warm, evocative illustrations add to the atmosphere of the book, capturing the simple beauty of the characters and their conversations.

The central characters of the book come together after their lives cross paths in a field. Through their conversations, the reader is given insight into the emotions and struggles of life. The narrative centers around sharing, similar difficulties, and accepting differences. It is told through beautiful illustrations, short stories and conversations that surround the artists’ core message – that of acceptance and being open-minded.

Mackesy believes in the power of creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit when it comes to following one's passions. He is a tireless promoter of the role of art and creativity in the world, seeking to speak to everyday people, and inspire conversations about the issues that are shaping our lives. He frequently shares his musings on his various social media accounts, and has amassed a huge fan following.

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse has also been adapted into a critically acclaimed audio book and television animation. The series has garnered international awards and nominations, and has been featured in publications such as the Guardian, the Financial Times and Time Magazine. Mackesy's works have been supported by multiple charities and creative organizations, such as Waterstones, which has provided thousands of copies of his book to schools across the UK.

A passionate naturalist, Mackesy regularly speaks in public forums and interviews about his love of nature and the importance of preserving our natural environment. He also serves on the advisory board for the global initiative One Planet Imagined, which strives to create a world where everyone can live and thrive. His works have helped to raise substantial amounts of money for charitable causes.

Mackesy's books, art and musings have had a global impact, resonating with readers of all ages. His commitment to creating positive change through kindness and understanding is deeply profound. His works are a celebration of the simple pleasures in life, with the enjoyment of friendships, conversations, and musings at the heart of his stories. Charlie Mackesy is one of the most inspiring authors of our time and his work will remain an inspiration for generations to come.