Another slice-of-life manga done right.
Gakuen Babysitters is about Ryuuichi and Kotarou, two brothers orphaned after the death of their parents in a plane crash. Taken in by the principle of Ryuuichi’s high school, her only condition is for Ryuuichi to work at the school day care center for faculty kids, and now Kotarou.
What makes Gakuen Babysitters work are the different characters and variety of stories. Like Baby & me, we start things on a serious note but slowly Ryuuichi and Kotarou rebuild their lives, seeing them interact with a ever growing cast of characters. We do get callbacks to their tragedy and some sad moments here and there but this is generally a lite series dealing with personal issues and conflicts but nothing too intense.
Ryuuichi is a bit bland but he’s mostly used as the straight man to the antics of the daycare kids and the more eccentric older characters. Every character in the series so far has been enjoyable. From the serious Hayato to the ever lazy Usaida, characters come in all shapes and personalities. And once again, like Baby & Me, the manga isn’t afraid to focus on other characters if there’s a story to tell, keeping the series fresh and interesting. Special shout out to Saikawa, the best butler since Bruce Wayne’s Alfred.
If you’re looking for an adorable slice-of-life series that’ll put a smile on your face, give Gakuen Babysitters a read. Here’s hoping the anime adaptation premiering this month is just as good.
Mammoth Base Opera Castle 