Of course, I’m going to love a book that starts out with the main character being asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and he answers “Kind.” It just gets better from there. The bestselling book, The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, And The Horse by Charlie Mackesy has been made into a short, animated film, and I encourage everyone to watch it. It’s a charming story with a universal message of love, friendship, and hope. 

The premise is a boy is lost in the wilderness and his unlikely friendship with three animals he meets along the way. They help him survive, attempt to get home and teach him important life lessons along the way. But it is so much more than that. Visually, the elegant simplicity of the animation is stunningly beautiful. I could freeze frame any moment in the film and happily display it on a wall in my home. 

Then there are the simple messages that are full of timeless wisdom. Just what we need right now when life can feel overwhelming, immerse yourself in this soothing retreat of simple messages about kindness and calm. 

Such as when the mole says, “Most of the old moles I know, wish they’d listened less to their fears and more to their dreams.” 

Or this beautiful quote:  

When the mole said, “I am so small.” The boy replied, “Yes, but you make a huge difference.”

So poignant, these messages will warm your heart.  

Here’s an important message we all need to hear.

The boy asked the horse, “What’s the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” The horse answered, “Help.”

It was intriguing hearing Mackesy’s take on the characters, which I naturally thought of as four separate protagonists. But he said, “All four characters represent different parts of the same person, the inquisitive boy, the mole who’s enthusiastic but a bit greedy, the fox who’s been hurt so is withdrawn from life, slow to trust but wants to be part of things, and the horse who’s the wisest bit, the deepest part of you, the soul.”

There’s so much to enjoy about this sweet and tender tale. So grab your kids, whether they’re 6 or 36, and delight in this beautiful 35-minute journey.  You’ll be glad you did.

Is there someone who inspires you with their kindness?  Nominate them for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Award of $250.

Do you have an act-of-kindness project you want to do but need help funding it?  Submit your idea for the Matt Kurtz Kindness Grant of $500 and let us help you spread kindness.