Little Virgil and Orla Frogsnapper (1980)

Lille Virgil, 8 years old, lives by himself and his own rules, in a shed he has adapted himself. He spends his time looking after his chicken, helping village people, after a fashion, going to school (when they're not suspended), and grifting for what he needs. He and his best friend have a hairy old time with their exploits, including dodging Orla, the local ne'er do-well, and setting him up to get caught.