The Snake Who Loved a Sparrow (manga)

In a world where forest creatures can take human form, a member of the sparrow clan, Komazu, is one day saved from a boar stampede by a cold but eye-catching white snake named Shiratoh. Dealing with both animal problems - fear of predation by their common enemy, the eagle - and human problems -- differences in class, loneliness, and prejudice - these two boys learn to overcome the difficulties that come their way through an open mind and heart.