L'enfant, la taupe, le renard et le cheval

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.

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.

Like many of you I bought the book a while book, captivated by the impressive art. The art and calligraphy is signature to the book. It made the leap into animation effortlessly and captured the essence of the message contained in the book with such warmth and humanity that it made me emotional.

The story centres around a boy who is inexplicably lost in a beautiful snowy landscape. It is a metaphor I guess as we as humans can find ourselves to be lost in many different ways.

The friends that come to his aid help each other. They do not judge and lean on each other for guidance and support.

The 30 minute animation is timeless and will become a feature for Christmas scheduling for years to come. The simple beautiful story is pan generational and global.

A beautiful experience - I nearly cried.

The animation was first class and the dialogue was very moving.

The characters voices were so suited to each other. I would watch this and would re watch this particularly with my grand sons who unfortunately live far far away.

The mole is obsessed with CAKE and is to me just like 'The Wind in the Willows'.

To me this is a faithful rendering of the book and has brought great pleasure in these troubled times. It is good that such joy is brought by the skill of the author and the animators.

I look forward to seeing this again and again in my remaining years.

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.