ALA Booklist (Wed Jul 05 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

A lighthearted romp through a realm of intentionally cheesy puns, The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich gives us Camembert, a young woman dressing as a man to inherit her father's title who moves to the capital of Fondue for a quiet life with her maid Feta. However, she almost immediately falls for Princess Brie and is caught up in planning events and brunching with her new royal friends while Feta frets about the danger of Cam being found out. High jinks involving Cam's disguise, Brie's plans for their relationship, and meddling from Brie's friends will amuse readers on the way to the big reveal and declaration for our main couple. The art is lovely fun, combining faux historical fancy suits and dresses with characters playing Nintendo Switches in the background. Whether it's with romantic flowers swirling in the background or hair frizzing with anger and sadness, the characters radiate energy. Fans of Princess Princess Ever After (2014), other cross-dressing heroines, or funny fairy-tale romances will find plenty to enjoy here.

Kirkus Reviews

A charmingly cheesy fairy-tale romance.With no legal means of inheriting the family estate after her dear father's passing, a young woman disguises herself as a man. The newly minted Count Camembert moves to the capital city, Fondue, with trusted servant Feta and tries to keep a low profile. About to go bonkers from boredom, Cam attends a "no-furs" ball hosted by activist Crown Princess Brie. The two immediately collide and bond over fashion. Brie later invites Cam to a private brunch with friends (including delicious cheesy sandwiches) to launch a more targeted cruelty-free fashion event. The two are soon smitten with one another, but Cam knows she can't get too attached. Eventually, truths come out and more than one heart goes on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. This story is such a joy-a spectacular, feel-good, comfy romance. Olive-skinned Cam, with her flowing black locks, is suave-but also, in Brie's own words, "an airhead with the attention span of a worm." In other words, she's adorable. Brie, with her curly blond bob and pale, rosy skin, is conscientious and beautiful, and she will capture readers' hearts as quickly as she does Cam's. Plenty of roses and sparkles à la shōjo or yuri manga and cute, exaggerated facial expressions make the watercolor-style images endearing. The setting is an interesting mix of clothes and architecture that evoke the 18th century along with some modern technology and colloquialisms that add to the humor.So cute. (Graphic romance. 12-18)

Publishers Weekly (Thu Oct 03 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Count Camembert is on his deathbed when he once more attempts to persuade his fiercely independent daughter, Lady Camembert, to find a husband. Growing anxious about her continuing refusal, he makes one final proposal: “If you are not willing to marry a man... would you be willing to become one?” Upon her father’s death, Cam dismisses all but one servant, Feta; burns her own belongings; and, with her father’s clothing, disguises herself as the new Count Camembert. Accompanied by Feta, Cam moves to the crowded capital city of the Kingdom of Fromage to live in anonymity. Having to avoid public gatherings to mitigate potential scrutiny, Cam chafes against her newly restrictive life and impulsively decides to test her charade on the grandest stage available: a ball hosted by Crown Princess Brie. There, Cam meets and immediately falls head over heels in love with the outspoken princess, but as the two embark on a coy courtship, Cam’s ruse becomes harder to maintain. Cheese puns abound in this delightfully illustrated graphic novel by Muniz, rendered in vividly saturated full-color art. Muniz’s impeccable rom-com instincts and the meticulously balanced high stakes combine to present a tender love story that plays out alongside the girls’ individual struggles navigating society’s limitations on women. Ages 12–up. Agent: Britt Siess, Britt Siess Creative Management. (May)

School Library Journal (Sat Apr 01 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gr 7 Up— Countess Camembert of Gougere's father is deathly ill. She wants to claim her inheritance, but the law states she can only do so if she's married. She has no interest in marrying a man, which her father understands and supports. He suggests she move to Fondue, the capital city, and begin life as "Count Camembert," his son and rightful heir. All goes well until the Count attends a "no furs" ball thrown by the progressive Princess Brie of Fromage. The Count makes a splash—and gets Princess Brie's attention—with a stunning faux fur wrap. They bond over food and fashion and enjoy spending time with each other and Brie's friends, Lady Gorgonzola and Lady Ricotta. As they grow closer, Camembert fears the deception will be discovered, not knowing Brie has questions of her own. Despite having so many cheese-related names, the narrative does not depend on puns. This charming story is a relatable exploration of questions of identity, honesty, and a journey to self-acceptance. Apart from one brown-skinned friend, most characters are pale-skinned and read as white. The art's flowing linework and soft palette bring a dreamy quality to the story. Some manga-influenced touches add energy to scenes with intense emotions. The back story of this book's creation, which does indeed involve a grilled cheese sandwich incident, is just as charming as the book itself. VERDICT This delightful story will appeal to many readers, especially those who enjoy complicated romances.— Carla Riemer