Maruko's family heads to a French restaurant to broaden their palettes, but nobody is quite ready for what they'll encounter there. Then, the dreaded school marathon has finally arrived, much to Maruko's chagrin.
Maruko is thrilled to be getting a certificate for her submission to an art contest, but complications arise by the time she has to actually go on stage. Then, Maruko's hubris gets the better of her when she's allowed to stay home from school after she catches a cold.
When all the kids her age become obsessed with riding bicycles, Maruko has no choice but to suffer the trials and tribulations of learning how to ride one.
When all the kids her age become obsessed with riding bicycles, Maruko has no choice but to suffer the trials and tribulations of learning how to ride one.
While Maruko hopes this year's home visit from her sensei will go smoothly, her capacity for self-sabotage has other ideas. Then, Maruko's hopes for an easy role in class are dashed when she finds out she's paired with the pretentious go-getter Hanawa.
Tensions rise between Maruko and Sakiko when a new notebook enters the picture. Then, Maruko's peaceful New Year is threatened by responsiblities looming over the horizon.