The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

Originally published on social media on January 19th, 2023

You can call it serendipity, fate, or God’s divine and perfect timing that brought this delightful animation into my life this new year. Apple TV describes this animation as @charliemackesy ‘s best selling book to life, but I would add that this enchanting story also brings to life love and peace filled messages. Filled with affirmation, this film reminds its viewers that no one is alone and that the most unlikely of friendships can be the most meaningful. The calming voices and music along with gorgeous illustrations in this film create a soothing medicine for the soul.

Along with words of affirmation, @charliemackesy provides a powerful metaphor using a boy, a mole, a fox, and horse of all things. Each character has desires, dreams, fears, insecurities, and wide range of relatable feelings. While this group of unlikely friends share these commonalities, their differences are a great reminder that not everyone’s minds work the same. What’s incredible is that these differences has the ability to divide or isolate these characters, but this group of friends chooses to embrace their differences and allow them to strengthen their bond.

Each character has different ways of processing insecurities and fears. I’ve known quiet, but intensely strong foxes in my life, as well as wise and silly moles (who love cake) and magnificent horses who help me get to where I need to be. I hope I can be as good a friend as these three kind creatures to the people in my life and especially those out there who are looking for a sense of belonging…of home…of family.

There have been moments in my life, especially after the discovery of my medical diagnosis, where I have felt anxious or alone, and would have felt completely isolated and lost without the moles, foxes, and horses and all other unlikely friends of my life.

Regardless of where life finds you today, this animated short film will encourage you, brighten your day, and remind of the beauty of all seasons, but especially winter.