The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

In a world that is often dark, Charlie Mackesy's words and illustrations of The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse, have served as moments of light. Beautiful in themselves, but more than that - they shine that light within ourselves to remember the good, the gentle, and the strength in kindness in our own lives and the world around us. The four much-loved characters stepped out of Charlie's imagination and into the world on Instagram, before finding a permanent home the best-selling book released in 2019. The TV adaptation, released on BBC One and iPlayer on Christmas Eve - and worldwide on Apple TV+ on Christmas Day - brings the friends to life. It's 35 minutes of exquisite, peaceful light, born to become a modern Christmas classic. "I'm lost," says the Boy, voiced in heartbreaking gentleness by Jude Coward Nichol. Two words that will have resonated with many at some stage in this post-pandemic weary world. Charlie's drawings touched something within during those dark days of lockdown. Their kindness, humour and hope reached through the page, bringing comfort and connection. Simply put, it's beautiful, whether you enjoy Charlie's drawings and wisdoms as inspiration, comfort, self-reflection, or purely for their charm. It's as if you have stepped into the book itself. Hug your horses extra tight, be kind to yourself, and to quote the Mole, "I'm glad we are all here". While the book has no linear plot, the film needed one. And so Charlie's words and wisdoms have been woven into a script, taking the characters on a journey through a dream-like snowy landscape to find "home", set to a soundtrack by Isobel Waller-Bridge. And that messaging of kindness and gentleness translates gracefully from page to screen. Charlie collaborated with Jon Croker on the adaptation, and is also named as co-director alongside Peter Baynton. That involvement by the author is perhaps behind why the feel is just so close to the book.

For me who is a female living in China,the mole refers to eldership because he really moves slowly like an old person. And even if his words imply he is coward,he still acts like a valiant when he rolls across the hill or when he steps into the trap to save the fox.

That's how the chinese elderships live:they bury their sincere heart and always say that they are getting tired of the life. But deeply inside,they are still hoping to enjoy the life just like the youngsters.

The culture in our society dosen't motivate elder one to keep going further. In fact,age discrimination is everywhere. People believe that a person should do particular things in particular age. For example,when you are 22 years old,you should garaduate from college and go get a good job;when you are 30 years old,you should raise a family and you should have at least one child;when you are 35 years old,you should ether be a successful person or a looser waiting to be fired.

And when you are older than 40,on one will expect any thing good on you. You can never change your life or your job at that age,because that costs a huge sacrifice. And even if you want to do that,you may still not succeed,because there is no new place for you in the society,unless you want to do the hard labor job such as cleaning the street.

That invisible chain teriifies people,force them to take a regular role in their life.

As I am getting older in age,I hope I will always remenber this mole,and be brave to be myself.

I was absolutely swept up by this beautifully told story and the innocence of its characters. I was anxiously awaiting the unfolding of the lovely, sensitive animation as it depicts this sweet boy's journey. His animal friends highlight his travels and are his steadfast allies and guardians as he tries to find his way home. I felt as if I were transported back to the wonder and innocence of my childhood as I watched this story unfold.

The animation is so beautiful in the way that it portrays the world and the characters in it. It allows the viewer to take a look back at life and recall a more simple and innocent time. It allows us to view the world through the eyes of a child and just how beautiful and quiet that world can be.

I received the book a few years ago when I was in a bad place mentally. It is a beautiful collection of art and wise words so to see it brought to the screen intrigued me (although I wasn't sure how it would translate).

I needn't have worried. Everything about it was pretty much perfect. The gentle voices, music, animation and script joined up to make a wonderful Christmas family watch - although I suspect this will be become an all year round favourite.

There have been a lot of BBC broadcasted children's book adaptations in recent years (no more so than the Julia Donaldson books each Christmas) and whilst that is great for fans of the books I would stand this alone as more than just a book to TV job. This is suitable for kids, adults, and everything in between!

I'd put this on the same level as the classic 'The Snowman' - Thank you Charlie Mackesy.

Maybe this kind of story is just what we all need on the second to last day of the year - to remind ourselves why we're here and who we truly are.

The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse is a sweet, touching story of lost souls who found each other and together they search for home. This little cartoon speaks with quotes almost exclusively and every single phrase and every word that comes out of the mouths of the four characters is something to think about.

Really, what is love? What is home? What is the meaning of it all and what does it take to be a human being? Those are only a handful of questions you'd definitely get answers to by the end of this half hour masterpiece. I know for sure that home is where the heart is, it's not the place, it's not even something material - it's the way you feel and the people around you who make you feel it.

The animation style is uncanny and even though it may not be a perfect 3D computer generated picture it serves the purpose of the movie splendidly - all those shapes and contours don't have to be perfect, they just have to be authentic and real, and that's what matters. The voice actors also have done a great job shaping the characters and making them real for us too.

If you ever ask me, who do I want to become when I grow up (or in my case, grow old) I would certainly answer: kind.