In an attempt to mimic and learn from the young Yotsuba’s acceptance of the world as a place of wonder to discover, I shall not complain about how long it’s been since the previous volume. (Volume 9 was out last year about this time.) Instead, I shall enjoy the stories inside, glad that we have it at all. I’ve talked many times about how funny I find Yotsuba and her unique view of everyday life, as portrayed by Kiyohiko Azuma, […]

It’s difficult to find new ways to praise this gorgeous historical series. It’s got something for everyone. It’s beautifully drawn, exciting to read, diverse in story events, educational in its research, features a dramatic battle … there are even several nude shots for titillation. The opening chapter of volume 2 brings Amir, the bride of the title, a new friend. Pariya is a talented bread maker Amir meets at the communal ovens. While Amir works to fit in with her […]

Ah, they grow up so fast. Rin’s now a schoolgirl, so no more “aww, what a cute kid” stories in this series. Instead, dad Daikichi observes a cousin’s family struggles, takes care of Rin when she gets sick and later loses her first tooth, and helps her train for a school jump rope competition. There’s a lot of observing other parents’ struggles in the tales contained here. All these characters that come into Daikichi’s life are to show him how […]