Looking for an old anime, I remember very few details

Help! I watched an anime on TV when I was very young, but I don't remember much:<br><br>- The protagonist seems to be a child<br>- There is a large creature as a friend (not a dragon, seems to be some kind of beast)<br>- The story seems to take place in a forest<br>- It should be a work from the 90s or early 2000s<br>- The art style is warm, not an action/fighting type<br><br>I know these clues are very scarce... but it has been bothering me for many years. Does anyone have any leads?