Menotto

Menotto is the central character of the French‑produced animated television series Menotto, which first aired on France 3 in 2014. The titular figure is an anthropomorphic brown rabbit aged around seven years, depicted as cheerful, inquisitive, and possessing a natural talent for problem‑solving. His stories are set in the bustling town of Cité‑Souris, a place that blends contemporary urban life with whimsical elements, and the show blends traditional 2‑D animation with occasional CGI sequences to bring the environment to life.

The narrative premise of the series is educational, with each 11‑minute episode presenting a daily challenge that Menotto and his friends—Sophie the squirrel, Lucien the tortoise, and Mila the mouse—must tackle together. The episodes cover a range of subjects suitable for early elementary school children, including basic arithmetic, environmental stewardship, social skills, and introductory science concepts. Dialogue and music are crafted to reinforce key vocabulary, and recurring motifs such as the “Mystery Box” serve to sustain continuity across episodes.

Menotto was created by Martin Da Cunha, a former animator formerly working with Studio Goulart, and produced by the French company KidCraft Animation. Voice actors include Françoise Louvel as Menotto and Pierre Lévy as Lucien. The series has been broadcast in over 30 countries, and a companion educational app was released in 2017, featuring interactive mini‑games that mirror episode themes.

Critical reception has generally praised the show for its positive messaging and engaging visuals, though some reviewers have noted the occasional reliance on repetitive plot structures. Menotto continues to air on public television networks and streaming platforms and has spawned a line of merchandise, including plush toys and workbooks. The series has been awarded the 2018 Kidscreen Award for Best Animated Series aimed at preschool and early‑grade audiences.