Little, Brown Books for Young Readers has announced the forthcoming release of comedic actor Kate McKinnon’s debut middle grade novel, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.
McKinnon’s series starter follows Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee, a trio of eccentric sisters who don’t fit in with their adoptive family or posh classmates. When the girls are kicked out of school, they’re invited to study under mad scientist Millicent Quibb, where they learn to embrace their differences and help save their town from a team of evil scientists.
Illustrated by Alfredo Cáceres, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science is scheduled to publish on October 1, with a first printing of 200,000 copies. Erika Turner, executive editor at LBYR, acquired North American rights from Ted Malawer at Upstart Crow Literary, and will edit the book. Azantian Literary Agency represented the illustrator.
Many will recognize McKinnon as a Saturday Night Live alum and actor from a bevy of comedic projects (Barbie; Ghostbusters; The Magic School Bus). As her career continued to reach new heights, she never forgot about her decade-long dream of bringing the Porch Sisters to life.
“I hope young people read about the adventures of the Porch Sisters and are inspired to get out there and have their own adventures,” McKinnon said in a statement. “I started playing with the idea of these characters and this world over a decade ago and am so thrilled to finally bring them to an audience, especially with a team as wonderful as the one at LBYR.”
