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Title: Baby & Me Vol 3

Author:  Marimo Ragawa

Publisher:  Viz

ISBN:  9781421505749

May Contain Spoilers

Takuya and Minoru are back, and in this volume, they take on the neighbors in the community sports meet.  Then Minoru learns the shocking truth about his idols, the  crime fighting Bubble Five!  Takuya must admit that he’s misjudged a classmate, and then it’s off to the beach!  Oh, and a scary ghost story gets stirred into the mix as well!

I don’t understand why I like this book so much.  I hate kids!  What makes a series about two little brats appealing enough that I keep coming back for more?  Could it be the feel good waves that wash over me while I’m following along with Takuya and Minoru’s latest adventures?  Could it be the adorable pumpkin pants the Minoru was forced to wear in public?  Or could it be the obvious love that Harumi dotes upon his sons?

Once Takuya stopped sniveling about having to take care of his little brother, the book became a charming slice of life collection of stories.  With several environments to help create her drama, Marimo Ragawa skillfully interjects all of the childish emotions that swirl around Takuya’s school and Minoru’s preschool.  Takuya struggles to always be agreeable and get along with his classmates, and when he meets Shinako Fukaya, he learns that listening to rumors only makes misunderstandings that much worse.  Believing Shinako’s reputation of being a liar, his own misperceptions only add fuel to the fire, causing the two to butt heads until a peaceful resolution is finally arrived at. I thought that this was one of the better mini story arcs, because Takuya accepted that he had jumped to conclusions about Shinako, and he was willing to face up to his error.  Shinako’s prickly exterior didn’t help her gain any friends, but underneath, she’s just a shy girl who wants to be liked.

Minoru’s girlfriends are my favorite characters.  Or maybe his reaction to them is what I find so amusing.  Liked by two wildly different girls, Minoru is reduced to a tug toy by his over zealous admirers.  Beastly little Hiro absolutely terrifies him, while Ichika, at first glance, appears to be demure and polite.  A fiercely competitive tiger hides under her quiet demeanor, and she’s vowed that she will never lose to Hiro!  The two of them are always fighting over Minoru, who’s not quite sure what to make of his popularity.  Whenever the girls enter the panels, chaos ensues.  I am a little afraid that their comedic worth may diminish with frequent appearances, though.

Baby & Me is a fun, light read.  Underneath all of the humor, it’s really the story about how important family bonds are.  Despite different personalities and personal motivations, the most important thing is keeping your family together.  And maybe that’s why I keep reading this saccharinely sweet title. 

Grade:  B

Rated for Teen