Top Picks of Manga for Kids
Japanese manga has captivated readers of all ages worldwide, and elementary school-age kids are no exception. With vibrant characters, imaginative worlds, and compelling stories, manga offers an enriching reading experience that sparks creativity and fosters a love for storytelling. In this article, we will dive into the fascinating realm of manga suitable for elementary school-age children, introducing some popular and age-appropriate Japanese for Kids titles that will ignite their imaginations and leave a lasting impact.
Yotsuba&!
Yotsuba&!, written and illustrated by Kiyohiko Azuma, centers around the quirky, curious, and endlessly energetic five-year-old girl Yotsuba. This manga follows Yotsuba’s everyday escapades, exploring the wonders of the world through the eyes of a young child. Its lighthearted humor and relatable situations make it a favorite among elementary school-age readers.
Chi’s Sweet Home
For animal-loving kids, Chi’s Sweet Home by Kanata Konami is a heartwarming manga that revolves around the adorable kitten, Chi. After getting separated from her mother, Chi is taken in by a kind family and embarks on amusing adventures while learning the ups and downs of family life.
Doraemon
Doraemon is a timeless classic loved by generations of children. Created by Fujiko F. Fujio, this manga follows the adventures of Nobita, a ten-year-old boy who befriends a robotic cat named Doraemon from the future, and his three close friends Shizuka, Giant and Suneo. With Doraemon’s magical gadgets, Nobita embarks on various escapades that teach valuable life lessons about friendship, courage, and perseverance.
Pokémon Adventures
Based on the widely popular Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Adventures, created by Hidenori Kusaka and Satoshi Yamamoto, takes readers on thrilling journeys with Pokémon trainers as they aim to become Pokémon Masters. This action-packed manga features well-known characters like Red, Blue, and Green, battling and capturing Pokémon in a quest to become the very best.
My Hero Academia: School Briefs
My Hero Academia: School Briefs, written by Anri Yoshi and Kohei Horikoshi, is a spin-off of the popular My Hero Academia series (which is more suitable for teens). Set in a school setting, this manga follows the daily lives of young heroes-in-training at U.A. High School, where they face challenges and grow both as individuals and heroes.
Cardcaptor Sakura
Cardcaptor Sakura by CLAMP is a magical girl manga that captures the hearts of young readers. Sakura Kinomoto, a cheerful and kind-hearted nine-year-old elementary school student, accidentally releases magical cards known as Clow Cards. With the help of her friends and her guardian, Keroberos, Sakura sets out on an enchanting quest to retrieve the cards and prevent chaos.
Anpanman
Created by Takashi Yanase, is a beloved manga and anime series that features Anpanman, a superhero with an anpan (bean-jam-filled bun) for a head. Anpanman helps those in need, battling villains and teaching valuable life lessons along the way. This endearing character has become an iconic figure in Japanese children’s entertainment.
Candy Candy
Written by Kyoko Mizuki, the manga tells the life story of an orphaned girl named Candy. Readers first meet Candy at the Pony’s House orphanage as a six-year-old. Crying at the Pony’s hill, there she meets a mysterious man with a beard and a raccoon. Fast forward six years, Candy is adopted into the wealthy Audrey family, where she meets her first love Anthony. In the family estate, again she meets the mysterious man with the raccoon. Set in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the story takes readers on a journey through Candy’s tumultuous life from six to eighteen years old as she navigates the challenges of growing up in an orphanage, moving social classes, falling in love, and discovering the identity of the mysterious man at the hill. Suitable for late tweens.
Japanese manga offers a plethora of delightful and age-appropriate options for elementary school-age kids. These manga titles not only provide enjoyable reading experiences but also instill important values and life lessons in young minds. From the heartwarming adventures of Doraemon to the imaginative world of Pokémon, and the endearing stories of Chi’s Sweet Home and Yotsuba&!, children can embark on captivating journeys through these colorful pages. So, whether your child is a fan of action, humor, or magical tales, Japanese manga has something enchanting to offer to every young reader. Students who are learning Japanese can also try to read the manga in Japanese.
