Yotsuba&!, Vol. 13

Yotsuba&! is a series that has managed the impossible: it has managed to give the readers pure innocence in manga format. I know that sounds somewhat silly out of context, but honestly? It's the only phrase I can think of that really works to explain it all. Yotsuba's world is not one of fantastical events, but rather normal daily life that appears fantastical from the eyes of this five year old. In vol 13, we finally meet Yotsuba's Grandma, who's visit takes up the majority of the chapters. Grandma is really cool and we can see why Yotsuba loves her so much. We also see that Grandma loves Yotsuba just as much in return, and the relationship between the two is heartwarming on every page. Grandma only visits for a short time but during this visit she teaches her granddaughter the pride and fun of cleaning, that it's important not to be rude in wanting a souvenir, and most importantly: how it's okay to be sad at someone leaving, but then to be okay after that. This is my go to manga whenever I am feeling the need for a pick-me-up. It doesn't matter which volume you start with, because you will end up with the same feeling of that wide eyed innocence that warms your heart with each story you read. Yotsuba's world is very simple, especially when compared to all the other manga stories out there, but it is one that people will return to time after time, and at any any. All she wants is to try everything, and have fun every day. Simple wants that the reader can't help but share. Have fun, Yotsuba, and I hope we meet again soon!

Perfect final book to a well loved series.

~4.5/5 There is never enough Yotsuba in the world. Never. I will never grow tired of it. We start with Yotsuba coming from camping, with souvenirs for everyone. And then we meet Grandma. There’s lots of adorableness to be had here. There’s preparation and excitement, and then Grandma teaches Yotsuba all kinds of things. Like cleaning, as Grandma pesters her father about it all. Yotsuba tries very hard to be a good helper, and she’s so cute. There’s also a learning moment, when Grandma has to leave. Yotsuba throws a fit, but Grandma and her dad stay strong, they don’t give in, and she’s forced to accept it. And say goodbye, and then be a kid again and move forward. Every volume of this series is a delight and I love it all to pieces. I will always want more, but re-reads are also very fun. [More of my reviews are available on my blog, Geeky Reading, to which there's a link on my profile.]

It is extremely hard to find English based comic series for my daughter online while that do not have curse words and sluttiness or other bad things in them. This Yotusba! series and the series Happy Happy Clover are my daughter's favorites. I used to live in Japan and the scenes illustrated in Yotsuba! bring me back. My daughter and I have together read every book of both the series about 20 times over (except 13, which we just recently bought).

Yet another delightful and hilarious installment of Yotsuba&! Some genuinely funny, laugh-out-loud moments (the facial expressions when reacting to Yotsuba's more eccentric moments are priceless). Cannot wait for volume 14!