Somewhere in Europe at the end of the 16th century… Poucet, the last-born to a peasant family, is a scrawny, unloved child. A punching-bag for his brothers, his distress is often cause for mockery. Times are hard, war devastates the region. A marauding band of soldiers pillages the family farm.
Famine drives Poucet’s parents to abandon their children.
Left to their own devices in an enormous forest, the children fight with wolves, and then with the soldiers, lead by the horrible Captain-Iron-Leg. But, most of all, they must confront the beast who haunts Poucet’s nightmares: the Ogre, child-eater. Held prisoner, the children escape from the monster’s den with the help of one his daughters.
Demonstrating heroic courage, Poucet steals the monster’s magic boots and puts an end to the war by becoming the king’s messenger. This journey of initiation, coupled with an exciting adventure, sees Poucet win the respect of his family by overcoming his fears.