Given how much I complained about the lack of manga for kids under 12 in my top trends for 2008 list, it seems only right to wander slightly astray from my manga reviewing to check out the Akiko Ikeda's Dayan books, Dayan's Birthday and Chibikuro Party, two of the first four releases from Dark Horse Books.

Already a beloved character in the children's book pantheon in Japan, Dayan is a mischievous cat who lives in Wachifield, a magical realm where animals walk, talk and live in peace together. In these two mini-hardcover books, Dayan discovers birthdays, a yearly festival of shadows and the secret to defeating a trio of vengeful witches (Hint: it involves alcohol).

Yes, it's all very, very cute -- but there's also a hint of dark undertones that keeps all the adorableness from getting too saccharine for adult readers to stomach. Check out my review of Dayan's Birthday and my review of Chibikuro Party and see if these kids books will capture American hearts, or if something gets a bit lost in its transition from its Japanese roots.

Also worth checking out: An interview with Dayan's creator, Akiko Ikeda and online previews of pages from Dayan's Birthday and a preview of Chibikuro Party at Dark Horse. And while you're at it, visit Dayan's home at Wonderland of Wachifield (in English!).

Image credit: © 1993, 2008 Akiko Ikeda. All Rights Reserved.