愛してるぜベイベ★★ 3

愛してるぜベイベ [Aishiteruze Baby] #3

by Yōko Maki, 槙ようこ

結平は女遊びもやめ、今やゆずゆの立派な親がわり。5歳児の愛らしさに癒され、ほのぼのとした毎日を送っていたが、ゆずゆの母親が突然、結平の前に姿を現わして…。

Genres: Manga, Romance, Shojo, Comics, Graphic Novels, Drama, Manga Romance

171 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 1, 2003

About the author

槙ようこ, Maki-sensei speaks of herself in the third person. Has a mangaka sister, Aki Mochida.

Pet: Leo, dog
Height: 164.5 cmv

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a decent, but not terribly promising start, this series is getting better and better. The relationships and situations are getting more serious and complex. I thought the audience for Ribon--the Japanese manga magazine this series was first published in--was MG, but maybe I was mistaken, because some of this story's content feels more appropriate for junior high schoolers, such as references to teen sex and child abuse.

Kippei's starting to realize what everybody around him does already, that he is genuinely attached to Kokoro, and vice versa. In the long run I think they will be a sweet couple. His taking care of Yuzuyu has mellowed Kippei out a lot. Well, as often happens, the concept of a character in the first chapter or two of a manga doesn't always carry through for the whole thing.

Yuzuyu's mother shows up briefly, and relates to Kippei that she feels unworthy to take care of her child because she struck her in a fit of pique, and right around the same time, there's a child abuse arc* involving a child at the day care that Yuzuyu attends. Shotaro's mother's story is resolved much more simply than it would be in real life--a scolding from a teenager seems unlikely to be the only factor that would turn that situation around permanently for the better--still, the basic setup and story arc is handled in a convincing way.

* This (in the spoilers) has been a motif in two of the manga I've read recently. Aishiteruze Baby handles it far better than Higurashi does. The latter basically milks it for melodrama.

I'm looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

[Radwa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad she touched on the child abuse topic, but it was too easily resolved, I wish it was like that in real life.

first love and child abuse, this was definitely a colorful volume.

[Ris Sasaki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is in the air, folks!
AND IT´S SO FREAKING ADORABLE.
Shou-chan was such an adorable child. It was really heartbreaking to see how his mother treated him, but everything went smoothly by the end (except for Yuzuyu that got her first heartbreak).
And what can I say about Kokoro in this volume (and the bonus story by the end of it).
Kawaii all the way <3

[Sheena Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a shojo manga, I've been really impressed with how this series deals with child abuse, neglect, and unconventional families. It's so thoughtfully written and has yet to rely on obnoxious drama to keep the story going.

[Bibliothecat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review for complete series



Kippei has a reputation of being a playboy and for not caring all too much about school. His whole daily routine is thrown upside down when his 5-year old cousin Yuzuyu is delivered to his home. After the death of Yuzuyu's father, her mother has found herself unable to care for Yuzuyu and has thus sent her to live with her relatives. Kippei doesn't know much about childcare but he finds himself enjoying his time spent with Yuzuyu and the two form a bond.

Although I really like Maki Yōko, I have never read this early work of hers until now. I appreciate Maki's works not only for the art but also for often breaking free of shoujo norms. Aishiteruze Baby was no exception in this regard, although that was probably also part of the reason why I hadn't picked it up sooner. When this was originally published, I'd be lying if I'd say I cared much for stories about childcare. In addition, I found the covers very unappealing - I'm afraid I still do as they are so awfully busy and crowded. Nonetheless, after years of reading Maki's works I thought it was finally time to give this one a go.

I don't think this manga will work for everyone because similar to me a couple of years ago, not everyone will be interested in the childcare aspect of this manga. I imagine many people will pick up a shoujo romance expecting exactly that: romance. And while this manga does have some romance, its focus is without a doubt on the relationship between Kippei and Yuzuyu as well as how she deals with feelings of abandonment. As a whole, this is a very heartfelt story with great relationships. A lot of the side characters initially come across as rather annoying but the plot takes some time to let us get to know them and this is one of the few manga I've ever read where pretty much all characters are likeable.

I really liked Kippei as a main character, although I'm tempted to say that he was unrealistically kind to everyone which also made his bad reputation seem a bit weird. There is a generally degree of things not being very realistic in this story to begin with: it's certainly not unheard of but I do find Yuzuyu's mother's behaviour a little questionable. Kokoro - Kippei's love interest - also seems to have a rather odd relationship to her parents and I found it a tad unrealistic how she could just up and move in with people in the blink of an eye.

Otherwise, this was a really nice plot that explores various aspects of childcare and family issues. And while those might sound like heavy subjects, this is mostly a lighthearted feel good manga. Yuzuyu is a little ray of sunshine, Kokoro seems a little stoic but turns out to be really cute once she loosens up a bit. The romance between Kippei and Kokoro initially seemed to come a little out of nowhere but I actually really enjoyed how their relationship developed.

I struggled a little with Maki's art in the first chapters - I love her style but this earlier work often leaves characters with oddly blank eyes. I think in the beginning Yuzuyu was the only character I found aesthetically well done. By the end of the series, the art isn't quite what it is in her latest works but it's definitely beautifully drawn and featuring characters with expressive faces where no text is required.

The ending was a tad rushed and I wouldn't have minded a more detailed epilogue, but it doesn't take away from the over all experience reading this manga. As long as you aren't looking purely for a romance manga and enjoy stories revolving around little children, this is definitely a cute and worthwhile pick.

[-moonprismpower- · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’m changing my mind about Yuzuyu’s mom. I think it’s definitely a great idea to take some time to get her mental health together before coming back to Yuzuyu. Especially, since she has hit her…
And the Shota situation was hard to read. I cried. Being a parent is more difficult than people realize, especially when you don’t get much help. Of course, this in NO WAY justifies the hitting but at least, his mom was feeling guilty. And she decided to make a change before she destroys her family. Not everything is black and white.

And finally, I have to talk about Kippei’s older “Sis”!
Does she have a name?!? Lol. She’s so funny. I love her attitude.

[Abi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This volume talked a lot about child abuse, which was interesting, especially as everything in this series is framed in a relatively light manner. The last chapter or two centered around teaching Yuzu to swim, which was cute. 4 stars.

[haven ⋄ f (hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is so strange, but I find the kids the best part. They're just so sweet!! I do find this interesting even through the weird and awkward events, though. I just wish Kippei would get himself together so he's not a bad example to Yuzu. She's super sweet!

[Emily✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vol. 1 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 2 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 3 ★★★☆☆
Vol. 4 ★★☆☆☆
Vol. 5 ★★★☆☆ (3.5)
Vol. 6 ★★★☆☆ (2.5)
Vol. 7 ★★☆☆☆ (2.5)

Re-read April 2023:
Hmm, a strange move to introduce a new character just for the purpose of a short-lived child abuse side plot. While not handled terribly, it was very over-simplified and I just don't see the point. Otherwise, the parents' day and scenes at the pool were super cute.

TW: child abandonment, child abuse

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad this side story had a happy ending! I hope Yuzuyu's does, too.

[Eve Healy]

Spoiler-Included Review

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

[Jules.Bookverse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy reading this story now after watching the series many years ago. Still so cute and has the perfect amount of light drama in it.

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

This manga was cute overall but not really memorable in my opinion. My favorite character was Yuzuyu just because she was so cute and friendly to everyone. Even though I understand the attitude of Kippei and what he is supposed to be portraying I never like him, not even when he was with Yuzuyu. Overall it was a pleasant and nice reading experience. I would check out the anime though because I felt it to be a great deal more entertaining than reading the manga.

[CJ - It's only a Paper Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to be honest, this is sort of a shojo. I mean there is a romance but there are very adult things happening and I don't mean sexual (although these kids are a lot more open about what they want then most mangas - which is refreshing) but emotionally.

Good read.

[Starbubbles · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a little surprised by abuse being a reoccuring theme. It's nice how Maki tackles the issue and how victims are treated with love and support afterwards.

[Jenny Derochemont · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm torn. On one hand I think it's good for Kippei to know Yuzuyu, but then again she needs her mom. Maybe the wont have to move far away.

It was sad that Yuzu's friend had to move away.

[Katie (Katie's Corner Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

see full review @ Katie's Corner

[Amy]

Aishiteruze Baby, Volume 3 (Aishiterurze Baby) (v. 3) by Yoko Maki (2006)

[Melainebooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yuzuyu se fait un ami à l'école maternelle.