Chibi Maruko-chan

Maruko is a nine-year-old third grader whose messy, carefree habits often put her at odds with her tidy older sister. She avoids homework and chores, arrives late for school, makes use of her indulgent grandfather, and bickers with her sister, though she is well-meaning and tries to do what is right. Known by the nickname Maruko, Momoko Sakura shares her name with the pen name of her creator, who drew on her own childhood for inspiration. Maruko’s classmate and best friend is Tama-chan, while her kind but absent-minded grandfather is a favorite companion. He keeps a pet turtle, enjoys watching television with Maruko, and sometimes retreats into a brief inner world to compose a sad but comic haiku when he feels distressed or nostalgic.