Remi, a boy who lived with Madame "Barberin" in the poor village of Chavanon, initially believed she was his mother. He was unaware of his father, Mr. Barberin, who worked in Paris. A work accident forced Mr. Barberin to return to the village, worsening the family's circumstances. Remi discovered they were not his real parents. Due to financial difficulties, his adoptive father decided to sell him to Vitalis, a man who owned a mobile show with animals. Remi joined Vitalis' performance troupe and endured numerous painful events and ongoing challenges until he finally met his real mother and brother.