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赤ちゃんと僕 [Akachan to Boku] #1
Baby & I 1
Takuya is a 10 year old boy who lost his mother in a car accident. While still fighting with grief, he still have to look after his little brother since his father have to go to work everyday.
Soft Cover
First published January 1, 1991
8 people are currently reading
151 people want to read
About the author
Marimo Ragawa
161 books46 followersMarimo Ragawa 羅川真里茂 was born on September 21 in Hachinohe, Aomori, but her age is not disclosed.
Marimo Ragawa first started submitting manga to comic magazines when she was only 12 years old, which is when she was in 6th grade of elementary school. She continued to send her manga to the same magazine for four years, but a positive critical reception was yet to come. Ragawa then decided to switch to a different magazine. Surprisingly, her first submission to this magazine, Hana to Yume, won a prize called the Top-prize. She succeeded in achieving her debut with her first manga, Time Limit.
Marimo Ragawa continues to draw other manga such as Aka-chan to Boku (Baby and Me), New York New York, and Itsudemo Otenki Kibun. She received the 1995 Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Baby and Me. She continues to draw a tennis themed manga, Shanimuni-Go in Hana to Yume (Flowers and Dreams).
Marimo Ragawa's calm and cute design is one of the traits of her drawings. Her energetic drawing and characters are very attractive, even to non-manga readers. She is widely known for her great ability in describing complicated emotions, especially in New York New York and Baby and Me.
Her manga Mashiro no Oto has been nominated for the 4th Manga Taishō.
Marimo Ragawa first started submitting manga to comic magazines when she was only 12 years old, which is when she was in 6th grade of elementary school. She continued to send her manga to the same magazine for four years, but a positive critical reception was yet to come. Ragawa then decided to switch to a different magazine. Surprisingly, her first submission to this magazine, Hana to Yume, won a prize called the Top-prize. She succeeded in achieving her debut with her first manga, Time Limit.
Marimo Ragawa continues to draw other manga such as Aka-chan to Boku (Baby and Me), New York New York, and Itsudemo Otenki Kibun. She received the 1995 Shogakukan Manga Award for shōjo for Baby and Me. She continues to draw a tennis themed manga, Shanimuni-Go in Hana to Yume (Flowers and Dreams).
Marimo Ragawa's calm and cute design is one of the traits of her drawings. Her energetic drawing and characters are very attractive, even to non-manga readers. She is widely known for her great ability in describing complicated emotions, especially in New York New York and Baby and Me.
Her manga Mashiro no Oto has been nominated for the 4th Manga Taishō.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
June 2, 2020
Awwww.....this was cute🥰
May 29, 2020
The one thing I don’t get about this is why the MC thinks he’s the only one who can take care of his little brother. I wish the dad would step up and take care of both of his sons more.
Otherwise, it’s fairly believable. The MC is upset at the baby because he is and has been taking up all the attention. It makes sense, since the MC is 10 and was used to being an only child.
This era’s art style isn’t my favorite. The eyes are way too big, especially on the baby. Not for me, but others will enjoy.
A little hit and miss.
Otherwise, it’s fairly believable. The MC is upset at the baby because he is and has been taking up all the attention. It makes sense, since the MC is 10 and was used to being an only child.
This era’s art style isn’t my favorite. The eyes are way too big, especially on the baby. Not for me, but others will enjoy.
A little hit and miss.
June 11, 2017
40th book read in 2017.
Number 427 out of 605 on my all time book list.
Number 427 out of 605 on my all time book list.
April 27, 2015
A sweet, kind, moving story of an older brother, Takuya, who is given almost sole responsibility of raising his brother, Minoru, after his mother passes away. His father has to work hard to provide for them, and Takuya is left with the jobs of picking Minoru up from nursery, buying his milk, cleaning his clothes, and feeding and bathing him. Takuya just wants to be a normal 10-year-old kid: playing with his friends, toiling over homework, and being in a normal family with two parents. It is heartbreaking at times, especially when you see Takuya struggling with his feelings. He knows he shouldn't be angry at Minoru, but he is sometimes. It is a story, however, that would tug at the heartstrings of adults more than children, perhaps.
January 2, 2018
This was a lovely series that really surprised me. I wasn't interest in a manga that had kids in it, I mostly read shojo but I gave this a shot and this has been one of my favorites. Its actually a clever blend of cuteness and sadness. The older boy in the cover is big brother to an adorable and precocious little boy. Takuya is tasked with helping raise his much younger brother Minoru as the boys mother has died (somewhat recently as Minoru is still so young). Takuya struggles, wanting to be a kid, wanting to help out his dad, walking the line between parent and big brother to his handful of a little brother and everyday life. Ugh, this book made me laugh, made me sniffle and made me 'aww' at how cute Minoru is. Doggone this is such a great series!
November 13, 2016
This manga is just too bittersweet! A dead mother is never a great place to start with a story, but the way that Takuya takes care of his little brother is just too sweet. I was definitely crying on the last story. Why must you break my heart like this?
February 23, 2023
Full 18-volume series review
3.5 stars, rounded up
In the wake of his mother's recent passing, 5th grader Takuya tries to live a normal life while balancing being the primary after-school caretaker for his 2-year-old brother while their father works full time. A lively ensemble cast brings equal parts humor and chaos as the whole family learns how to get through the challenges of everyday life.
This was one of the original Shojo Beat titles when Viz first launched the then-magazine and still-existing imprint in the mid-2000s. The magazine, with its monthly chapter releases, was canceled after four years, and I finally decided I really wanted to know how Takuya and Minoru's stories ended.
It's an interesting story, particularly today. It was originally published in Japan from 1991-1997, and so is set in the 90s--something that may not be immediately apparent to a reader, but the lack of cell phones and recurring older tech (Takuya's dad has some boxy old computers in his office) make it obvious at some point.
Takuya is a cute, and likable, character: 11-12 years old, he's a naturally kind and fairly resilient kid who gets along with many classmates and is well-liked, but is still just a kid. He loves 2-year-old Minoru, but also resents the time he has to spend watching Minoru, and all the frustrations and contradictions that come with toddlers--illogical choices, crying, stubbornness.
A large ensemble cast provides plenty of story material: many of Takuya's classmates get their own stories, as do some of their neighbors. If the focus were solely on Takuya and Minoru it could get old quickly, but when it's Takuya and Minoru who are just along for the ride while their high-strung neighbors, or overzealous preschool principal, or their dad's coworkers drive the main story, it works well without making it feel like we've lost sight of our core characters.
With 18 volumes and stories that range from realistic to nearly soap-opera, there's a lot of variation, but it remains entertaining and often touching. The ending of the series probably lies closer the "soap opera" side than anything else, but overall the series is very sweet and worth reading.
3.5 stars, rounded up
In the wake of his mother's recent passing, 5th grader Takuya tries to live a normal life while balancing being the primary after-school caretaker for his 2-year-old brother while their father works full time. A lively ensemble cast brings equal parts humor and chaos as the whole family learns how to get through the challenges of everyday life.
This was one of the original Shojo Beat titles when Viz first launched the then-magazine and still-existing imprint in the mid-2000s. The magazine, with its monthly chapter releases, was canceled after four years, and I finally decided I really wanted to know how Takuya and Minoru's stories ended.
It's an interesting story, particularly today. It was originally published in Japan from 1991-1997, and so is set in the 90s--something that may not be immediately apparent to a reader, but the lack of cell phones and recurring older tech (Takuya's dad has some boxy old computers in his office) make it obvious at some point.
Takuya is a cute, and likable, character: 11-12 years old, he's a naturally kind and fairly resilient kid who gets along with many classmates and is well-liked, but is still just a kid. He loves 2-year-old Minoru, but also resents the time he has to spend watching Minoru, and all the frustrations and contradictions that come with toddlers--illogical choices, crying, stubbornness.
A large ensemble cast provides plenty of story material: many of Takuya's classmates get their own stories, as do some of their neighbors. If the focus were solely on Takuya and Minoru it could get old quickly, but when it's Takuya and Minoru who are just along for the ride while their high-strung neighbors, or overzealous preschool principal, or their dad's coworkers drive the main story, it works well without making it feel like we've lost sight of our core characters.
With 18 volumes and stories that range from realistic to nearly soap-opera, there's a lot of variation, but it remains entertaining and often touching. The ending of the series probably lies closer the "soap opera" side than anything else, but overall the series is very sweet and worth reading.
March 14, 2023
Boy, this story tugs on the heartstrings! Takuya is a 10-year-old boy that is suddenly thrust into a parental role after his mom dies in a car accident. He is now forced to watch his infant brother Minoru while his dad works long hours. Takuya struggles with a lot of emotions in this book—grief over his mother, grief over his quick end to childhood, frustration with caring for Minoru, and helplessness. It’s painful to see him being chastised by others for how he is taking care of Minoru. It’s also upsetting to see how lonely he is. However, as time goes on, Takuya’s resentment starts to recede as his love for Minoru grows. This is a great start to the series, full of bittersweetness and hope.
February 10, 2019
this is an old favorite of mine that i'm rereading the first couple of novels and hope to continue it and finish it! I love this manga because i feel like with takuya's prospective we get an honest view of what its like to be in his situation. yes he's the dutiful son and perfect big brother--but he's just a kid and he can be selfish, immature and emotional too. I feel its just a very honest picture of sibling dynamic especially when there's a huge age difference. While our situations are completely the same I can relate to Takuya as an older sibling who had to care for the youngest one. Will always be a favorite!
June 23, 2024
Picked up this manga when I was 12 and I couldn’t find anything that’s peaked it. This is probably my 3rd or 4th time reading this and it doesn’t fail to make me laugh every time.
This manga is so casual, no drama, no characters with crazy powers, just a kid taking care of his little brother. Ugh, I love it.
This manga is so casual, no drama, no characters with crazy powers, just a kid taking care of his little brother. Ugh, I love it.
August 9, 2024
Cute, but I don't see this going anywhere interesting. The old style doesn't hold up very well and the characters have no room for development, they're set up to be who they are in the first volume. The only possible interesting storyline would be where is takuya and minoru's mom.
There are very few characters and it's basically just takuya being a good big brother for the entire manga, in unsurprising and frankly, very foreseeable ways and therefore it holds very little "awe" factor.
Don't recommend it. It was a quick grab from the library, glad I didn't spend money on it.
There are very few characters and it's basically just takuya being a good big brother for the entire manga, in unsurprising and frankly, very foreseeable ways and therefore it holds very little "awe" factor.
Don't recommend it. It was a quick grab from the library, glad I didn't spend money on it.
May 6, 2019
I'm not as sure about this one. A ten year old boy who recently lost his mother to a car accident has to help out caring for his baby brother. I didn't like how much responsibility was being placed on the ten year old.
September 22, 2022
this is so cute and touching. if you loved Gakuen Babysitters you’ll love this.
June 27, 2015
This was cute. Not sure I'll read any more of it, but it was cute and worth a read.
Baby & Me is the story of Takuya and his little brother Minoru. He's in elementary school, but he has to take care of his baby brother after their mother's death. He loves his brother, but also resents the fact that he has to take care of Minoru and sacrifice his childhood to take care of the baby. He also has to struggle with such things as his father being forced into "marriage meetings" by neighbors and the evil neighborhood dog going after Minoru.
It's a heartfelt little manga, but I'm not sure it's enough to keep me going. There's nothing in particular about the characters that keep me engaged, and I'm not particularly invested in their story.
The artwork is awkward at points, even for an early 90s manga. It's gotten a bit dated.
Baby & Me is the story of Takuya and his little brother Minoru. He's in elementary school, but he has to take care of his baby brother after their mother's death. He loves his brother, but also resents the fact that he has to take care of Minoru and sacrifice his childhood to take care of the baby. He also has to struggle with such things as his father being forced into "marriage meetings" by neighbors and the evil neighborhood dog going after Minoru.
It's a heartfelt little manga, but I'm not sure it's enough to keep me going. There's nothing in particular about the characters that keep me engaged, and I'm not particularly invested in their story.
The artwork is awkward at points, even for an early 90s manga. It's gotten a bit dated.
November 23, 2013
Oh I'm ecstatic that my (used) copies of this manga has come yesterday!
I do have a manga collection but I don't usually write review about it in goodreads. This series, however, is different, because I adore them with all my heart, even when I read it as a young adult now. So full of life lesson in a light-hearted yet touching way. The first volume is rather angsty, as in this Takuya was still struggling hard to cope with the loss of his mother and accept that he had to take care of Minoru. The art looks like a sketch sometimes, the proportion is somehow off, but it does get better!
I do have a manga collection but I don't usually write review about it in goodreads. This series, however, is different, because I adore them with all my heart, even when I read it as a young adult now. So full of life lesson in a light-hearted yet touching way. The first volume is rather angsty, as in this Takuya was still struggling hard to cope with the loss of his mother and accept that he had to take care of Minoru. The art looks like a sketch sometimes, the proportion is somehow off, but it does get better!
October 23, 2015
Kakak beradik yang baik & lucu~ tamat di vol.18
Gambar : 3.5 bintang
Cerita : 2.5 bintang, rasanya pas baca kayak bukan baca jalan pikiran anak-2.
Si Kakak dan teman-2 sekelasnya yang masih SD sering ngebahas hal-hal 'berat' yang agak bikin bosen dan gelap dan menyebalkan~
Soalnya yang dibahas panjang-lebar itu perasaan mereka atas suatu masalah, yang penyampaiannya itu terkesan bukan anak-anak yang ngomong, tapi orang dewasa...jadi sering bikin capek bacanya ""( >,<)
Tapi aku suka pas cerita Minoru & teman-2 balitanya (^ ^)
Gambar : 3.5 bintang
Cerita : 2.5 bintang, rasanya pas baca kayak bukan baca jalan pikiran anak-2.
Si Kakak dan teman-2 sekelasnya yang masih SD sering ngebahas hal-hal 'berat' yang agak bikin bosen dan gelap dan menyebalkan~
Soalnya yang dibahas panjang-lebar itu perasaan mereka atas suatu masalah, yang penyampaiannya itu terkesan bukan anak-anak yang ngomong, tapi orang dewasa...jadi sering bikin capek bacanya ""( >,<)
Tapi aku suka pas cerita Minoru & teman-2 balitanya (^ ^)
December 13, 2010
kisah mengenai kehidupan keluarga (papa, takuya, & minoru) yang ditinggal mati oleh mama-nya. ceritanya sedih banget khas "marimo ragawa", bikin terhanyut dan meneteskan air mata (T.T). Komik ini punya 18 volume. Semua ceritanya sangat berkesan. Gak rugi deh mengoleksi komik ini.
April 18, 2025
As an older sister who had to take care of many younger siblings, I could relate to the main character and his struggles with life and school. This series is beautifully written and it brought me so much nostalgia while reading it😍 I love this manga so much!
August 17, 2024
A reread. I'm here to cry and sigh. The kids are adorable. So heartfelt. 1000% recommend.
September 18, 2010
I was hoping this book would be lighter and funnier, but it does have its happy moments mixed in with the sad/depressing ones. I enjoyed reading it but not enough to want to read the entire series.
May 20, 2011
Baby and I. Komik yang nggak pernah bosan dibaca. Intinya, seorang kakak nggak akan pernah bisa menggantikan kedudukan mama.
November 6, 2013
This is a very sweet manga to read and yes it'll give you few sobs at times if you're as sensitive as I am.
May 9, 2014
It's cute, I guess, but not really what I enjoy reading. I won't track down the rest of the series, but if I ever stumble accross a collection, I'd probably read more of it.
February 4, 2018
I was due for a reread. Utterly adorable.
February 19, 2014
Kim Đồng ra lại "cái đau cái đau bay đi" :p
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews