The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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)