The author and comedian calls 'The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science' a "story about maintaining hope in the darkest times." Her first book hit shelves Tuesday, Oct. 1 and is geared toward middle-grade readers ages 8-12.
- Kate McKinnon has a new children's book out
- It is a new step in her creative journey
- The story centers around a fantastical environment
Kate McKinnon is now an author
The narrative centers around unusual characters and unexpected circumstances. This atypical premise sets the stage for a journey filled with humor, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments, all wrapped in McKinnon’s signature wit.
The first in a planned series, it follows the quirky "Porch" sisters in the snooty town of Antiquarium, where all the girls have to go to etiquette school — until the girls get kicked out of the last one that would take them.
That's how they find themselves under the tutelage of "Millicent Quibb" — a mad scientist with worms in her hair and oysters in her bathtub.
In an interview with 'People' Kate said this:
"I truly believe I did rewrite it conservatively 500 times over the course of 12 years. I mean, really. And it changed and evolved a lot over the course of that time. As I grew as a writer at 'SNL', I mean, I learned a lot about writing by being at 'SNL' and being in the room while truly great writers were pitching and writing. And I could not have finished this book when I started it, which was before I got my job at 'SNL'. And through the lessons I learned therein, I was finally able 12 years later to finish it. So that's cool."
Before her time on 'SNL,' McKinnon honed her skills in improv and sketch comedy, performing with the renowned troupe The Groundlings.
This background laid the foundation for her comedic style, which often combines absurdity with emotional depth. Her standout impressions include memorable portrayals of figures like Hillary Clinton and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, showcasing her knack for blending satire with sincerity.
Beyond 'Saturday Night Live,' McKinnon has made a name for herself in film. She starred in the reboot of 'Ghostbusters,' where her role as "Jillian Holtzmann" was both quirky and endearing, earning her praise from both critics and fans. She also lent her voice to characters in animated films like 'The Secret Life of Pets' and 'Ferdinand,' demonstrating her versatility across different genres.
In addition to her on-screen work, McKinnon has a strong stage presence, evident in her performances in various theater productions. Her comedic roots shine through in everything she does, making her a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Now, with the upcoming release of her first children’s book McKinnon is expanding her creative horizons. This illustrated story promises to reflect her unique blend of humor and imagination, appealing to both children and adults. Her transition into literature showcases her storytelling abilities, allowing her to reach a new audience while maintaining the charm that has defined her career.
And how did this story come into fruition: "I just had the image of these three girls in little sad gray Victorian dresses, these little Edwardian, Tim Burton-type girls, one with hair very tall, one with hair very wide and one with hair very deep. And they were mad scientists in this snooty town at the turn of the century," Kate said.
"It began as an image and a vibe because I'm obsessed with Victorian everything. I love Victorian architecture and I love Victorian go literature, and I love Victorian clothes and I love all that stuff. And especially I love Victorian botanical and anatomical prints," she added.
"And so I just was consumed by these images of this 1890s mad science milieu and these girls who were in that contrasted with the bright, beautiful turn-of-the-century town that Pollyanna grew up in."
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Throughout her journey, Kate McKinnon has consistently pushed boundaries and challenged norms in comedy, earning her place as one of the most influential voices in the industry. Her work continues to inspire, and with 'The Toad,' she invites readers into her whimsical world, proving that her creativity knows no bounds.
