I’ve
been following Yotsuba&! since
its debut in the U.S. back in 2009, and I wait in anticipation for each volume’s
release more than any other of the many series I own. It is an ongoing slice of life manga series
created by Kiyohiko Azuma. I recommended
this in my Manga Holiday Wishlist. It’s
a great title to pick up and introduce to children and newcomers of manga. This volume has become my favorite of the
series thus far. The simple setting and
antics of the little girl Yotsuba are extremely relatable. Any parent will soak up the familiar
scenarios of children getting into things they shouldn’t.
Since
it’s so modest to begin with, there isn’t much to say in terms of the story. Yotsuba learns how to tie a bow, the basics
of telling time, and how to cook curry with the help of her neighborhood friends. She has a fun (yet horrific) time with blue
paint, and she gets a bicycle helmet that’s pink and blue. Throw in a camping trip and you have the gist
of this volume. It’s a manga that is
incredibly human and laid-back, not meant to wow but to peacefully entertain. There laughs to be had with this installment,
but the majority of the time I found myself sitting back and smiling at how
sweet the scenes were. I never felt like
I had to rush to get to the good parts; I instead took my time, leisurely
flipping through the pages.
