Kanata, Konami. Chi’s Sweet Home, Volume 8. 2010. 146 pp. $13.95. Vertical. 978-1-935654-35-3. Ages 6-9.
In Volume 8 of Chi’ Sweet Home, curious kitten Chi decides it’s time to venture from her cozy home into the world outside. Her friend Cocchi reluctantly agrees to show Chi around, and soon enough the two kittens’ explorations land them in trouble, from being chased by a dog, to a confrontation with a grumpy human who locks her in his shed. Through her adventures Chi learns about the world outside her safe home, and is finally reunited with her family. The pastel colors and soft watercolors compliment Chi’s sweet naivete. Traditional manga illustrations are done in a panel style. Though sometimes saccharine, this series will be popular with children because of the high interest subject and charming illustrations. Cat-lovers will especially love this series. Recommended. Ages 6-9. ( )

This is the eighth volume in the Chi’s Sweet Home series. Right now there are ten volumes in this series. If you have enjoyed the previous books I think you will enjoy this one as well. It is full of kitty humor and cuteness just like all of the previous books have been.

When Chi sees Yohey playing with his friends she decides to go out and track the the other kitten friend she has, Cocchi. Chi and Cocchi get into lots of trouble in this book. Chi finds out first hand how cats always land on their feet and Cocchi introduces Chi into making trouble in a shed. Chi’s adventures outside lead her to develop conjunctivitis which introduces Chi to the beloved Elizabethan Collar (wow do cats ever love those…).

I am going to be honest and say that while I still enjoy these books they are starting to loose some novelty for me. They have been somewhat less funny as Chi grows up and has to deal with real world issues (at least for a cat). Some of that might be because I have read them all back to back in a fairly short period of time. My seven year old son however, still adores these books and loves reading them a lot.

There are still some very funny things that happen in this book and I still really enjoy the lovely pastel illustrations. Chi is cute and I love watching her and Cocchi getting into trouble around the neighborhood. We see a lot less of her interaction with the Yamada family in this book and I kind of missed that.

It is kind of nice watching how both Chi and Yohey have changed as they get older.

Overall this was an entertaining installment in this series. I continue to enjoy Chi and her antics, although I found this book to be less funny than previous ones. My seven year old son still adores this series. I would recommend this manga series to those who enjoy cats and humor. ( )

I like the Yamadas and all, but this entire volume is a great example of why I hate it when people let their pets roam free outside. Chi could have died in that shed, or been hurt by the shed's owner. The Yamadas' worries, that Chi was lost or might have been hit by a car, could also have been true.

This wasn't a bad volume, but it maybe reminded me a little too much of real-world cat dangers. I think I'll go hug my cat now.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) ( )