My recommendations:
Anime:
Eureka Seven - My favorite anime, if it wasn't for Cardcaptor Sakura's greatness. E7 is of decent length (50 episodes), and giant robots who surf in the sky. Top-notch animation, as well.

Manga:
Yotsuba&! - Easy to pick up, easy to read, easy to enjoy. Each chapter is rather episodic, being a slice-of-life series. There's nothing over-the-top or unbelievable, just everyday humor through the eyes of a child.