As an alumna of “Saturday Night Live,” Kate McKinnon knows what it takes to come up with interesting characters. Now she will do so for a decidedly different format.
The comic actor plans to launch a debut novel aimed at young-adult readers. “The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science” is envisioned as the first book in a series aimed at readers between the ages of 8 and 12, and will be published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, a division of Hachette Book Group. The series centers on the three Porch Sisters — Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee — and Millicent Quibb, the lone mad scientist in their hometown of Antiquarium.
McKinnon is bringing life to a story she has been working on for years. “I wanted to write the kind of book that I would have loved reading when I was younger, when I was eating honeysuckle on the playground and collecting bugs and falling in love with the natural world,” she said via a statement. “I hope young people read about the adventures of the Porch Sisters and are inspired to get out there and have their own adventures.”
Erika Turner, executive editor of the division, acquired North American rights from Ted Malawer at Upstart Crow Literary and will edit the project. Publication is planned for Oct. 1, 2024, with an announced first printing of 200,000 copies.
“Kate McKinnon has brought all the intelligence, energy, and go-for-broke comedic genius she has on stage to the pages of this book,” said Megan Tingley , president and publisher of Little Brown Books for Young Readers, in a statement. “Her essential message that being weird is exactly what makes you wonderful will inspire and empower young readers everywhere.”
The book features artwork that McKinnon herself drafted) and that illustrator Alfredo Cáceres emulated in a signature gothic style.
McKinnon is represented by Artists First and CAA, along with book agent Upstart Crow Literary and law firm Hansen, Jacobsen, Teller.
