Charlie Mackesy unveils new book “Always Remember” after major setbacks: What to know

Charlie Mackesy, the beloved author of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, has released a much-anticipated new book titled Always Remember. The project, six years in the making, almost never happened after the author lost “quite a lot” of material when his iPad was stolen from his unlocked car.

Despite the setback, Mackesy pushed forward, drawing from personal grief, memories of his late mother, and the unwavering support of readers who urged him to create more.

An iPad theft nearly derailed the book

Mackesy revealed that a large portion of Always Remember was lost when a thief stole his iPad from the passenger seat of his car outside a Co-op store. The iPad contained unfinished drawings and text that had not been backed up.

He recalled lying awake for nights, trying to reconstruct what was missing. “Like all these things, you either get knocked and give up or go, ‘This isn’t going to stop me’,” he told the BBC.

Returning to the world of the boy, the mole, the fox and the horse

Always Remember takes readers back to the beloved characters from Mackesy’s first book. Known for its simple yet profound reflections on kindness, love and resilience, his work became a lockdown phenomenon, topping bestseller charts and inspiring millions during the pandemic.

This new installment continues in the same spirit, aiming to reassure readers that “you are loved, and it will be okay.”

Inspired by maternal affection and personal grief

Mackesy said the new book tries to capture the kind of affection he associated with his late mother, who died two years ago. He recalled how she wore out the cover of his first book by rubbing her fingers across it every day.

He explained: “One of my favourite things is when a mum straightens a child’s coat collar and says, ‘Always remember, you’re loved.’ The book tries to emulate that.”

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Coping with loss and finding strength in art

The creation of Always Remember was shaped by grief. Mackesy lost not only his mother but also his beloved dog Barney, the inspiration behind the Mole character. “He was 19. He’s flying now,” Mackesy said wistfully.

Balancing extreme professional success with personal loss, the 62-year-old author described the journey as “very hard, very raw”, but ultimately worthwhile.

Global success and emotional impact

Mackesy’s debut book has sold millions worldwide, won both Oscar and BAFTA awards for its animated adaptation, and holds the record for the UK’s bestselling adult hardback.

But to Mackesy, true success is personal: he recalls readers telling him his drawings gave them the courage to keep living or to seek help. “If we had made the book just for one person, it would have been worth it,” he said.

Planting trees and giving back

Mackesy has invested his success into environmental projects, planting more than 2,000 trees in Suffolk. He describes rewilding as his passion, saying: “This land was silent when I got it. Now it’s full of butterflies and bees. It’s wild. That feels like success too.”

What’s next for Charlie Mackesy?

Looking ahead, Mackesy is exploring a new project featuring a girl and an elephant, a collaboration with the V&A Museum, and a unique illustrated journal designed to ease the fear of blank pages.

Still, he insists his mission remains the same: to connect with people through art and words that heal. And next time, he promises, he’ll lock his car.

FAQ

Q1: What is Charlie Mackesy’s new book called?

A1: His new book is titled Always Remember. It revisits the characters from The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse and focuses on themes of love, reassurance and resilience.

Q2: When was Always Remember released?

A2: Always Remember was published in October 2025, six years after Mackesy’s first book became a global bestseller.

Q3: Did Charlie Mackesy lose parts of his new book?

A3: Yes. A large portion of the book was lost when his iPad was stolen from his unlocked car. The iPad contained unbacked drawings and notes.

Q4: What inspired Always Remember?

A4: The book is inspired by the affection Mackesy associated with his late mother, who often reassured him by saying, “Always remember, you’re loved.” It also reflects his experiences of grief and loss.

Q5: Who is Barney in Charlie Mackesy’s life?

A5: Barney was Mackesy’s beloved dog and the inspiration for the Mole character. Barney died at the age of 19 while Mackesy was working on the new book.

Q6: How successful was his first book?

A6: The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse became the biggest-selling UK adult hardback of all time, spent record weeks on the bestseller list, and inspired an Oscar- and BAFTA-winning animated film.

Q7: What themes does Always Remember explore?

A7: The book explores love, kindness, loss, hope and resilience, offering readers comfort through simple illustrations and words.

Q8: Will there be another Charlie Mackesy book?

A8: Yes. Mackesy has hinted at a new project involving a girl and an elephant, along with an illustrated journal in collaboration with the V&A Museum.

Q9: What does Charlie Mackesy do with his earnings?

A9: He has invested in planting over 2,000 trees in Suffolk as part of a rewilding project, describing it as his way of giving back to nature.

Q10: Why is Charlie Mackesy so popular?

A10: His books and artwork resonate because of their gentle wisdom, emotional honesty and simple illustrations that speak directly to readers struggling with life’s challenges.