Book: The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Written By: Kamome Shirahama

Reviewer: Denisse Esparza

Rating: 5/5

As a book first written nearly a decade ago and still ongoing as a series, it’s nerve-wracking how little recognition this wonderful book has gotten despite receiving multiple awards. It’s due time that people begin acknowledging its beautiful story and art. For me, the wonderfully detailed and intricate drawings was enough to draw me in. Every page and panel feels like its very own work of art, leaving me staring at every page for minutes on end. From volume to volume, the quality remains the same, it’s easy to tell the author puts in immense effort into all of her works of art, leaving nothing more to be desired of it. The story in itself is its own magical beast, tackling the magical world of witches head on and developing a magnificent and complicated world in which magic is a resource only taught to those of witch descendance. Unlike other media involving witches, this series delves into the problems that arise from its system of magic and the impact it has on the world’s lives. A story like this is only enhanced by our charismatic, curious, and kind protagonist Coco who was thrust into the world of witches after a terrible accident occurs to her after discovering the secret to casting spells. From then on, we’re led to meet a lovely cast of characters, her wonderful and charming teacher Quifrey, the man who saved her life, and her three new eccentric and slightly strange fellow peer apprentices, Riche, Agott, and Tetia. The journey this wonderful cast embarks on is truly one everyone should witness, this series is definitely a must read for its beautiful art, characters (both main and background), intricate and pensive story, and causal representation of marginalized people. If you’re a fan of magic and witches, make sure to pick up the first book and delve into the world of Witch Hat Atelier, there are rumors of an animated series approaching…