What has Kate McKinnon been up to since she left Saturday Night Live? Oh, y’know, just living my lesbian dream. She’s moved to the woods, grows her own food, builds things, and somehow still found time to write a middle-grade mystery novel.
Her new book, The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science, is about three quirky sisters and a mad scientist trying to save their town from some seriously strange goings-on. I can’t help but relate it to her stint as the marvellous Miss Frizzle in The Magic School Bus reboot, and I am (respectfully) obsessed.
“This book upsets me. It frightens me. I cannot wait to read it again.” – LEMONY SNICKET, author of A Series of Unfortunate Events
If you were a weird kid who loved science, you (and any cool people in your general vicinity) need this book. Kate has always been open about being the odd one out in school (she once wore a Peter Pan costume to class), and now she’s hoping her book will make today’s unconventional young people feel a little less alone. Honestly, with Kate as their role model, they’re in good company. And the cherry on top? She narrates the audiobook with her sister.
Kate’s been popping up on talk shows lately to promote the book and drop some hilarious tidbits about her new life. She told The Drew Barrymore Show that literally the day after leaving SNL, she became a farmer and carpenter, moved to the woods, and now spends her time building stuff and growing tomatoes. Yep, she’s now a wood-chopping, veggie-growing queen. Goals. Upon. Goals.
She even laughed about how proud she was of growing her first tomato, saying, “I grew a tomato! Yes, I’m great. And I want you to grow a tomato, too.” You’ve been told. Get to it!
So, while Kate’s busy growing her garden, building her homestead, and creating new worlds with her writing, she’s also showing us all that being unapologetically yourself is the best way to be. As Miss Frizzle would say, “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!” And hey, maybe read a book and grow a tomato while you’re at it.
Order your copy of The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science now.
