The Healing Hippo of Hinode Park by Michiko Aoyama

Translated by Takami Nieda 4 stars A wonderfully cozy read. Rumor has it that the hippo ride at Hinode Park has magical powers. Rub a body part on Kabahiko the healing hippo and it will heal the same part on you. Follow various neighbors as they seek Kabahiko’s healing powers, only to discover what they…

Read More

Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 5 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars The dangers at the library take a turn in this volume. Instructor Komaki gets caught up in some serious allegations and the Task Force must figure out how to help him all while concealing Iku’s true role at the library from her visiting parents….

Read More

Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 3

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another great volume that continues the story nicely. Summer has come to a close and a new school year begins. And with it, March comes ever closer along with the deadline to find the key. Continuing the events from the previous…

Read More

The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki

Translated by Jesse Kirkwood 4 stars The Full Moon Coffee Shop appears when and where it is needed. If you’re able to find it, you’ll meet a cast of knowledgeable talking cats, taste delicious treats, and gain insight into your life based on your star chart. Follow a few of the coffee shop’s visitors as…

Read More

Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 2

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another fascinating volume. Within the castle, Kokoro finds relief from the anxiety and pressure she feels in the outside world through connecting with the other students. But as summer begins, tensions rise and they realize they all have their own secrets….

Read More

Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 4 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Another fantastic volume. Picks up right where the last one left off with the resolution of the kidnapping of Commander Inamine and Iku. Plenty of action as well as some insight into the characters. In this one we get to meet Iku’s parents and…

Read More

Yayoi Kusama: From Here to Infinity by Sarah Suzuki

Illustrated by Ellen Weinstein 3 stars A nice, kid-friendly introduction to Yayoi Kusama’s life and art that gives some basic information about her childhood in Japan, life in New York, and struggle to get her work recognized. Great illustrations. Despite the length, there isn’t a ton of detail about Kasama’s life. The information presented is…

Read More

That Blue Sky Feeling, Vol. 3 by Okura

Illustrated by Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 3.5 stars I have really loved this series, but I’m conflicted on the last volume. There are so many wonderful characters in this series and I have really enjoyed getting to know them and watching them grow. The ending was so sweet. I love how things wrap…

Read More

Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 3 by Kiiro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Fantastic. When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I’m not much for reading romance. But I absolutely love the Library Forces and their fight against censorship. I’m really enjoying getting to learn more about the characters and…

Read More