Expression takes form in different shapes. Whether it is big, small, clear or ambiguous, it is our unique way of expressing curiosity and sorrow. This is the overarching message I felt the book was trying to convey. The book has four protagonists: the boy, the mole, the fox, and the horse, as shown in the title. All four characters have different characteristics. The boy is curious and vulnerable, the mole is kind and comforting, the fox is cautious but caring, and the horse is wise and loving.
The story starts with the boy fearing the uncertainty of the future, and as he ventures, he meets the other three characters and they overcome their fear together, aiding their virtues. Starting off as strangers, they are a little skeptical of the concept of relying on one another. But as the story progresses, you can see the bond that begins to grow between them. This bond shared by the four characters creates the book’s central theme of hope. This portrayal of hope was very interesting for me because rather than being explicitly stated in the story with a hopeful scenario, it is implied through the interactions and dialogues among the characters such as “asking for help isn’t giving up, it’s refusing to give up.”
Although the book focuses on the theme of hope and captures beautiful illustrations, the journey of the four characters is not without pain. It shows constant worry of the uncertainty of the future and often reveals hopelessness that contrasts with the overall theme of the book. But the story conveys an acceptance of these uncertainties and embraces them as a part of life.
This overarching theme of hope has touched me deeply, and I think this principle goes beyond the general attitude of the world and what it should be. The story engages the readers with provoking questions about the attitude for the future that draws attention to oneself. This book was full of beautiful and meaningful messages and I would definitely recommend it to all teenagers like me who seek comfort and meaning while living a busy life.
