Every so often, a story comes along that gently reaches into the heart with words we did not even know we needed. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is one of those rare and beautiful works. Though it seems simple, its depth unfolds in tender layers, offering truths about courage, kindness, belonging, and love that resonate far beyond childhood.
Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We will only recommend products we use, love or think are informative and helpful.
The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse for Grown-Up Hearts
I first discovered this story when my granddaughter and I watched the short film together. She loved it and knew we would too. The characters are portrayed with such innocence, the illustrations are soft and beautiful, and above all the story itself moved me.
A Gentle Journey of Friendship
What begins as a conversation between a boy and a mole grows into a quiet journey with a fox and a horse, each friend revealing something about how we move through life. Especially when the world feels heavy, the words remain gentle yet deeply meaningful.
With that in mind, I noticed how many of these words echo truths from Scripture.
Echoes of Biblical Truths
While I do not know the full scope of Charlie Mackesy’s biblical beliefs, I found that many of his words echo deep biblical truths. The themes of kindness, love, grace, and being seen spoke to my heart, and I could not help but reflect on the way Scripture affirms them.
Words from the Story and Truth from Scripture
Here are a few sweet moments from the story that lingered with me, paired with Scriptures that echo their truth.
Words from the Story
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
“Kind,” said the boy.
Truth from Scripture
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. ~ Ephesians 4:32
Words from the Story
“Sometimes I want to say, ‘I love you, all.’”
“Do you?”
“Yes, so I say something like, ‘I’m glad we are all here.’”
Truth from Scripture
I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. ~ Jeremiah 31:3
Words from the Story
“What is the bravest thing you have ever said?”
“Help,” said the horse. “Asking for help is not giving up. It is refusing to give up.”
Truth from Scripture
Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. ~ Matthew 11:28
Words from the Story
“It feels like such a long way to go.”
“I know. But look how far you have come.”
Truth from Scripture
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
Words from the Story
“You know, sometimes your mind plays tricks on you. It can tell you, you are no good. That it is all hopeless. But I discovered this. You are loved and important. You bring to this world things that no one else can.”
Truth from Scripture
For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. ~ Psalm 139:13–14
Words from the Story
“Sometimes I think you believe in me more than I do.”
“You will catch up,” said the horse. “Life is difficult. But you are loved.”
Truth from Scripture
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. ~ Galatians 6:2
Words from the Story
“Doing nothing with friends is never doing nothing, is it?”
“No,” said the mole.
Truth from Scripture
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. ~ Romans 12:15
Words from the Story
“You fell.”
“Sorry.”
“It was an accident,” said the mole. “It’s my fault…”
“You’ll catch up,” said the horse. “I’ve got you.”
Truth from Scripture
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7
Words from the Story
“I often feel I’ve got nothing interesting to say.”
“Being honest is always interesting,” said the horse.
Truth from Scripture
On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:22
Words from the Story
“When big things feel out of control, remember this storm will pass. Remember you are enough just as you are.”
Truth from Scripture
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled. ~ John 14:27
Words from the Story
“That’s why we’re here, isn’t it?”
“For cake,” said the mole.
“To love and be loved,” said the boy.
Truth from Scripture
And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. ~ Ephesians 3:17–19
In addition to the words themselves, the audience for this story is wider than you might expect.
A Story for All Ages
Although The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is styled like a children’s story, it has found its deepest home among adults.
Children enjoy the gentle characters, short conversations, and the mole’s playful love of cake. The film’s 30-minute length and whimsical style make it accessible for families.
Adults connect most strongly with its message. Both the book and the film speak to loneliness, kindness, courage, and belonging, themes that meet us in the middle of life. Many describe returning to it during hard times for comfort. The slower pace of the film in particular feels calming, reflective, and deeply reassuring.
What the Characters Represent
The boy seeks answers and companionship.
The mole craves sweetness and offers innocent delight.
The fox is cautious, having been hurt before.
The horse, quiet and strong, carries wisdom.
Together, they remind us that life is less about grand resolutions and more about presence, kindness, and love. Woven through it all is a precious reminder: you are loved, you are seen, you matter.
The Visual Style
The artwork is unpolished and spontaneous. Even so, it feels full of life and honesty. There is beauty in its imperfection.
The Making of the Film
The animated short film, adapted from the book, premiered on BBC One and Apple TV+ in December 2022. It was produced by NoneMore Productions and Bad Robot Productions in partnership with Apple Original Films, directed by Charlie Mackesy and Peter Baynton. The team worked to preserve Mackesy’s sketchbook style with watercolor washes and visible pencil lines, giving the animation a tender and hand-drawn feel.
The voices of the characters were brought to life by Tom Hollander as the Mole, Gabriel Byrne as the Horse, Idris Elba as the Fox, and Jude Coward Nicoll as the Boy. The film received wide acclaim, winning the 2023 Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film and the BAFTA Award for Best British Short Animation.
About the Author
Charlie Mackesy, born in Northumberland, England, in 1962, worked as a cartoonist for The Spectator and as a book illustrator for Oxford University Press. He has collaborated on projects with Richard Curtis and worked with Nelson Mandela on a Unity Series of lithographs. He is best known for his freehand ink drawings and warm watercolor washes. He often describes his art as imperfect and messy, like life, and finds beauty in vulnerability and honesty.
His 2019 book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse became a global bestseller, translated into many languages, praised for its childlike simplicity paired with profound depth. Mackesy lives simply, often in the English countryside with his dog, and has spoken openly about struggles with doubt, loneliness, and failure, which inspire the compassion behind his work.
Mackesy’s drawings are loose and unpolished, with visible ink splatters, uneven lines, and soft watercolor washes that feel spontaneous and alive. The simplicity leaves space for the imagination, while the imperfections make the art feel honest and approachable. It is a reminder that beauty does not come from perfection but from truth, presence, and grace, the very themes the story invites us to hold onto.
Where to Find The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
The Book: You can purchase the illustrated book on Amazon.
The Film: Streaming worldwide on Apple TV+.
In the UK: Originally aired on BBC One. Check BBC iPlayer for availability.
Trailer: Watch the official trailer below for a glimpse of the story’s gentle beauty.
You might also like…
Each issue of our Newsletter is timely and helpful and jam-packed with food, crafts, occasional DIY, gardening and faith resources. Relevant and seasonal posts to inspire and guide you with current trends. Available only to those who request it, so please accept our invitation to stay connected and join the Grateful Prayer Thankful Heart community. Just click the subscribe button below.
You are such a Blessing to me!!!!!!!!!!!(: I’m 83 yrs old and so look forward to each time you send these precious Gems to my Mailbox . After 64 yrs of marriage to the sweetest guy who Loved his Jesus , the Lord took him Home where he didn’t have to suffer anymore . Someday I will get to see him again, only because he was such an inspiration to me and taught me and guided me to the strong faith I have now . There are times when I miss him so much, and the tears are hard to stop, but then my precious Jesus steps in and he makes life worth living again. So thankful for my loving kids who are here for me, its more than I deserve. so thank you again with all my HEART for doing what you do and the inspiration you give so many LOVE IN JESUS. Barb