It starts with a tragic event, but then goes as a serie of rather unconnected funny stories. Those remind me of Doraemon and Minky Momo, both. This is a laughable book, but some jokes are kind of harsh. And since you always remember that her mom is dead, it makes the whole taste of the book bittersweet. It's a good read, but for a peculiar taste for stories. IMO, that merry-making in sorrowful general situation is something typical for old, past-war manga.