Wolfy, the Incredible Secret

Gr 1–4—Based on a critically acclaimed children's book series from France, this is a story of friendship, adventure, magic, and, of course, a secret. This film (which won the César Award for best animated film, France's equivalent of the Oscar) features hand-drawn animation reminiscent of Wes Anderson's retro retelling of Roald Dahl's The Fantastic Mr. Fox, especially in its use of autumnal colors. The often beautiful old-school animation style and the subtle humour are an excellent combination. Wolfy, a naïve and timid wolf, and his best friend Tom, a prudent rabbit, set out on an adventure to find Wolfy's mother. They discover through a fortune-teller that she is (much to Wolfy's surprise) alive, and the pair's journey takes them to the Carne Festival, a meeting place and celebration for the most powerful carnivores. The friends get wrapped up in a family secret and a ruthless ruler willing to do anything to protect his power—with one friend willing to pay the ultimate price. The tone is lighthearted, though the hungry wolves add a bit of a threat.