Kate McKinnon book has become a reality, marking a major new chapter in her creative career. The celebrated comedian and actor released her debut children’s novel The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science in October 2024, and in 2025 she revealed plans for its sequel, Secrets of the Purple Pearl.
This transition from sketch comedy to middle-grade storytelling is not just a career pivot—it’s a reflection of McKinnon’s long-held passion for writing and her belief in stories that celebrate oddness, kindness, and courage.
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The Debut: Millicent Quibb and the Porch Sisters
The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science introduces readers to the Porch sisters—Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee—who have been expelled from every etiquette school in town. The city of Antiquarium prides itself on manners and formality. But when a mysterious invitation arrives, the sisters are led to a school run by an enigmatic scientist, Millicent Quibb, and discover there’s more to science (and themselves) than they imagined.
McKinnon reportedly spent 12 years developing the story, rewriting the first chapter 500 times to find the right voice and structure. She has shared that she wanted to write a story about the thing you think is weird about yourself becoming the very thing that changes the world.
Critics and readers have described the book’s tone as a blend of Lemony Snicket whimsy and Tim Burton quirk, noting its mix of dark humor, inventive worldbuilding, and emotional heart.
Sequel Announcement: Secrets of the Purple Pearl
In March 2025, McKinnon announced Secrets of the Purple Pearl, the sequel to Millicent Quibb. Scheduled for release on September 30, 2025, the new volume is already available for preorder.
The sequel takes place at the Purple Pearl Hotel, where the girls and Millicent race against the Krenetics Research Association in a quest to retrieve a legendary pearl at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. Along the way, they uncover deeper mysteries about their own origins and what makes them who they are. McKinnon has said she already knows the mythology of the whole series and where it’s going, but writing the path is the “mad science” she still loves.
Fans have seen the cover reveal, which features one of the strange creatures the sisters will encounter. McKinnon continues to stress that this series is a long game—a multi-book journey, not a one-off experiment.
Why McKinnon Wrote a Kate McKinnon Book
It may seem surprising for a comedic actor to write kids’ fantasy, but McKinnon sees natural connections between sketch comedy and middle-grade fiction. She’s noted that both arenas welcome:
- exaggerated characters
- absurd scenarios
- emotional stakes
- imaginative twists
In interviews, she’s explained that the awkwardness and silliness of middle school often feel like the same emotional universe she inhabits as a comedian. Writing for kids also allowed her to embrace vulnerability and tap into themes of identity and belonging—ideas she cares deeply about.
McKinnon has drawn from her own childhood. She’s described early passions for science, nature, and weird hobbies. She hopes her books encourage young readers to embrace what makes them strange and meaningful, rather than hide it.
Reception & Early Impact
The Millicent Quibb debuted as a New York Times bestseller and received praise for its imaginative world, quirky characters, and uplifting themes. Young readers and adults alike have praised its message: that being different doesn’t make you less—often it makes you powerful.
The sequel announcement generated buzz across literary and entertainment circles. Fans have already begun speculating which character arcs will deepen and what surprises lie ahead. McKinnon’s approach—openly discussing her love of myth, mystery, and science—has helped sustain excitement.
McKinnon’s Creative Process & Influences
Kate McKinnon has revealed glimpses into her writing journey:
- She revisited King Lear after watching Succession, finding echoes of modern power struggles in classic tragedy
- She cites influences like Roald Dahl, Lemony Snicket, and authors who blend the whimsical with the profound
- She speaks of crafting character voice with details like hairstyle, speech patterns, and physical traits (e.g., hair bun vs. wild curls)
- She describes writing major chunks of Millicent Quibb from bed, revising scenes until they felt “alive”
One unique moment: McKinnon invited an etiquette coach to help her understand how manners and social structure might play into her stories. She admitted that etiquette sometimes felt “sad”—rules often suppress identity—but postulated that kindness and intent could reclaim it.
What to Expect in the Series Ahead
Based on McKinnon’s comments and the sequel’s synopsis, here’s what readers might anticipate as the Kate McKinnon book series continues:
- Greater exploration of the sisters’ backgrounds, especially how they became “outcasts”
- Deepening of Millicent Quibb’s backstory, possibly revealing her connection to the girls’ lineage
- New creatures, scientific oddities, and magical gadgets tied to “mad science”
- A balancing of humor, action, and emotional stakes—each book may push the stakes darker but hopeful
- Thematic emphasis on belonging, uniqueness, identity, and moral courage
McKinnon has hinted that the series has a definite end, but she also wants readers to feel they can stay in that imaginative world even after the last page.
Public Appearances & Promotion
To promote Secrets of the Purple Pearl, McKinnon has already participated in:
- Fan events where she chats about the book’s inspiration and characters
- Late-night talk shows to announce and tease the sequel
- Interviews with major publications to highlight her motivations and creative challenges
Her appearances are always playful, peppered with humor, but often grounded in sincerity—she stresses she’s not a children’s book “celebrity” so much as someone telling a story she hoped someone had told her when she was younger.
How This Changes McKinnon’s Brand
This shift into authorship elevates McKinnon’s public identity. She is no longer just comedian or actor—she becomes a multi-disciplinary storyteller. The Kate McKinnon book milestone broadens her appeal into the literary world, connecting with families, educators, librarians, and young readers.
It can also reshape how fans connect with her work. Those familiar with her sketch persona will now see a more vulnerable, narrative-driven side—one that doesn’t rely on impression or parody but on original voice and worldbuilding.
Final Thoughts
The journey of Kate McKinnon book is just beginning. With the success of Millicent Quibb and the arrival of Secrets of the Purple Pearl, McKinnon’s universe is expanding—promising mystery, imagination, and heart. She’s proving that creativity need not be boxed in one medium, and that her voice can evolve from satire to story.
What are you most excited to see in Secrets of the Purple Pearl or future installments? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
