Glow ball Warning!

Oh Yotsuba! How we enjoy your adventures!

Written by Kiyohiko Azuma, Yotsuba is manga about a young girl growing up and learning all about the world around her through all sorts of funny adventures. Everything and anything becomes exciting when Yotsuba is around.

Lucy says: I think it is really nice, but I'm going to snatch it out of your hands. I like it.

What Taran has to say: Yotsuba's adventures make me laugh so hard I might even turn into a glow ball.

Kimba's take: Yotsuba is witty and silly and I enjoy reading it again and again. The three of us went through the first 3 volumes in just 24 hours. Every now and again one of us will say a one-liner from the comic and burst out laughing. Yotsuba's innocence and enthusiasm are delightful. The author does an amazing job capturing a believable young person on the pages of this comic.

This is a light-hearted romp and I would recommend it to just about anyone. I know of young children, pre-teen boys and girls and adults who are all big fans of Yotsuba. I guess she and her co-stars are fun for everyone.

Some interesting discussions about various topics have ensued: parenting and respect (or lack thereof) that adults give to children, Japanese culture, orphans, cicadas, global warming, zoos, fireworks, genetic variation, humor, fear, buses and favorite movies and their dialogue.


***Glow Ball Warning refers to a mispronunciation of Yotsuba's involving global warming.

Mouse Guard Fall 1152

Another family fave made possible by a loan from John. Thank you John!

Taran says: "Touche'. Mouse Guards are small in size, but a big hit with me. One of my favorite comics -- kind of the best. Exciting + a mystery + kind of about history.

Lucy says: " Touche" as well (it is a fun word ;). She really enjoyed the comic and thinks the mice are neat.

Kimba says: I enjoyed the rich history and culture created by David Petersen. The characters are engaging and the story riveting. I originally thought this was going to be a bit like Redwall...I was mistaken. Petersen creates his own world and makes it fascinating -- I loved the bits of (Mouse Guard) history that pop up throughout. The relationships between the various members of the guard are intriguing as well -- reminiscent of my favorite stories in Arthurian fiction and The Things They Carried.

This story is not only beautifully written, but wonderfully illustrated. It's like looking through an illuminated book at times. I really cannot do justice to this one with my words.

I would recommend this comic to any and all. It takes place in a period roughly equivalent to our Middle Ages and the Guard defend Mousedom using swords, daggers, knives and axes as well as their wits. We also see several examples of the predator and prey relationship.

Thanks to Mouse Guard, we've had plenty of interesting discussions. Some topics have included: matriarchies, traitors, scent marking, illuminated manuscripts and printing, bee keeping, crabs and their food sources, medieval architecture, and animal camouflage - just to name a few.

I have to say, that we all adore this comic and are looking forward to the second issue of Winter 1153.