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Hexham- raised artist Charlie Mackesy awarded Waterstones Book of the Year 2019 for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and Greta Thunberg announced as Waterstones Author of the Year 2019

Hexham- raised artist Charlie Mackesy awarded

Waterstones Book of the Year 2019 for The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

and Greta Thunberg announced as Waterstones Author of the Year 2019

Friday 29th November: Waterstones is delighted to announce Charlie Mackesy’s The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse as its Book of the Year 2019 and Greta Thunberg, author of No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference, as its Author of the Year 2019.

Hexham-raised Charlie Mackesy’s heart-warming story is a timely reminder of the importance of friendship and kindness.

Charlie Mackesy says: ‘I am wide-eyed, moved and so grateful. What a privilege to be acknowledged alongside such incredible books. Thank you so much to everyone, especially all the wonderful booksellers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting along the way. I’m so grateful for your support.’

Booksellers vote for the titles they have loved putting into the hands of customers over the course of the year. The nominations for both titles have been singularly passionate, reflecting the strength of feeling towards two quite different books that have together defined 2019. On the one hand we have the urgent message of No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference, from an author who has encapsulated and magnified the immense public concern over the climate crisis; on the other, the consoling beauty of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, an exquisite book that captures a yearning for a kinder world.

Kurde, Waterstones Horsham, describes The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse as: ‘Beautiful in sentiment and look, the type of book you buy, then think who to give it to and end up keeping yourself.’ Nia at Waterstones Cardiff says: ‘This delicately illustrated tale shows that love towards yourself and others is the only thing that truly matters in our hectic world.’ and Jacquie, Waterstones St Albans calls it: ‘One of the most beautiful and meaningful books I have ever read.’

Kate McHale, Campaign Manager Waterstones, says: ‘This year, we are delighted to name both a book that celebrates a wonderful artist, and an author whose words have had an unique impact on our world. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a wise and beautiful tale calling for love, friendship and courage. Greta Thunberg’s speeches have been an inspiration to millions, and these are now brought together in a new edition of No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference that powerfully illustrates that remarkable story. Both choices are testament to the extraordinary power of books to move and shape us.’

Charlie Mackesy’s beautifully produced tale of the love and friendship between the quartet of titular characters weaves together his magical illustrations with a deceptively powerful story. The simple yet profound message of kindness and understanding is an antidote for our often anxious and uncertain times and has deeply resonated with both our booksellers and our customers, thus earning the accolade of Waterstones Book of the Year 2019.

Waterstones offers a real cloth, quarter bound special edition in rich Burgundy with gold ribbon, hand designed exclusive ex libris book plate and two brand new festive drawings.

Greta Thunberg’s rallying cry for the protection of our planet could not have escaped anyone’s attention in 2019. Since publication in May, and supported by passionate bookseller recommendation, No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference has reached hundreds of thousands of readers. Her collected speeches form one of the most influential books of 2019 and for this Greta Thunberg has been awarded Waterstones Author of the Year.

Penguin Books have produced an expanded, strikingly designed edition for Christmas. Featuring five new speeches and accompanied by over sixty images charting Greta’s extraordinary journey, it powerfully depicts the game-changing impact her activism has had in a very short amount of time.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse and No One Is Too Small To Make A Difference will receive the full and committed backing of Waterstones shops and booksellers across the UK, as well as support online and through its loyalty card programme, Waterstones Plus, which reaches almost a million readers.

Last year’s winner, Normal People by Sally Rooney, saw an increase in sales of nearly 900% across the Waterstones estate, catapulting it into the Christmas bestseller lists and making it one of 2018’s biggest selling books.