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The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science #2
Secrets of the Purple Pearl
From Saturday Night Live legend Kate McKinnon comes the highly anticipated second book in her #1 New York Timesbestselling series about mad science, three peculiar sisters, and the mysterious Millicent Quibb!
It’s summertime in Antiquarium and everyone has flocked to the majestic lakeside Purple Pearl Hotel, including the nefarious group of evil mad scientists, the Krenetics Research Association. They haven’t given up on resurrecting their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and now, they’re hot on the trail of the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power that is rumored to be lost at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. All they need to do now is find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid, boil the lake (and everything in it) away, and pluck up the pearl!
But Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee are onto them, and they are determined to stop the KRA, even though they are now full pariahs in Antiquarium society. While Millicent and the gang work together to prevent the second coming of Talon Sharktüth, they discover more secrets than they bargained for– including where they came from, and who they truly are...
It's a mad science summer vacation they'll never forget!
It’s summertime in Antiquarium and everyone has flocked to the majestic lakeside Purple Pearl Hotel, including the nefarious group of evil mad scientists, the Krenetics Research Association. They haven’t given up on resurrecting their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and now, they’re hot on the trail of the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power that is rumored to be lost at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. All they need to do now is find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid, boil the lake (and everything in it) away, and pluck up the pearl!
But Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee are onto them, and they are determined to stop the KRA, even though they are now full pariahs in Antiquarium society. While Millicent and the gang work together to prevent the second coming of Talon Sharktüth, they discover more secrets than they bargained for– including where they came from, and who they truly are...
It's a mad science summer vacation they'll never forget!
256 pages, Hardcover
Published September 30, 2025
170 people are currently reading
1144 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews
November 3, 2025
WHY LITERALLY EVERYONE (regardless of age or status of child-having) IS NOT READING THIS SERIES IS BEYOND ME.
And when I say reading, I mean reading-via-audiobook because even the closing credits of this audiobook are more entertaining than 90% of audiobooks on the market (this is my hill I’ll die on it if I want to).
And when I say reading, I mean reading-via-audiobook because even the closing credits of this audiobook are more entertaining than 90% of audiobooks on the market (this is my hill I’ll die on it if I want to).
October 23, 2025
This is my petition to have these books made into a Netflix series. Probably the best audiobook I have ever listened to.
October 4, 2025
Gawwwd Kate McKinnon is SO GOOD!! As usual, I listened to audiobook while I read along and Kate narrated again! So much fun! And so hilarious!!! This is one series where I would say you have to listen to the audiobook as you read because it adds so much to the reading experience! Couldn’t stop laughing!!!
More please!!
More please!!
January 28, 2026
I say this in the best possible way…this book is delightfully unhinged. Fantastic on audio, read by Kate McKinnan…best enjoyed with a copy of the book at hand to reference the illustrations.
October 21, 2025
Laugh out loud funny!! Kate McKinnon is incredible & her narration can’t be beat. Can’t wait to gift these books to my nieces and nephews!! Would be such a fun road trip listen for kids!! Or anyone really!!
April 17, 2026
Hilarious on audio.
February 17, 2026
Sweet and smart and every bit as funny as the first (JONATHAN).
I want 100 more books in this series and I want them all to be just as magical as the first two. Surely this is not asking too much.
I want 100 more books in this series and I want them all to be just as magical as the first two. Surely this is not asking too much.
January 22, 2026
Wildly entertaining.
January 27, 2026
Such a fun listen (and you MUST listen to the audio for this one!)! We loved this one, and it was better than book one! So much giggling!
December 30, 2025
oh my god, it was such a perfect sequel and book!! my fiance asked me for the ten cent summary, so I gave it to him and he probably thinks that I had a stroke. but I have my next tattoo planned and my heart is so full. thank you, G Edwina, and thank you Kate McKinnon for so perfectly transcribing her story while she got the wasps under control. 💙🌹
January 4, 2026
This series is so fun even if it doesn’t make a lot of sense. It is funny and bizarre and exactly what I would think Kate McKinnon would write. The audiobook is top notch although she does narrate at a fast pace! Her voices and the all around weirdness are definitely entertaining though!
January 8, 2026
This book is deliciously stupid and hilarious. Given that it’s Kate McKinnon, you’d be insane not to listen to this on audiobook: it’s a masterpiece. 11/10 no notes.
February 6, 2026
I could've given this 5 stars within the first 5 minutes of listening. Another banger by G. Edwina Candlestank.
April 17, 2026
Still good; still feels like Kate McKinnon had a fever dream and wrote a book series, but it’s great
September 29, 2025
Here's my much anticipated "The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science: Secrets of the Purple Pearl." Written by Kate McKinnon...sort of. ;) This Millicent Quibb book is technically by G. Edwina Candlestick (and "as told by" by Kate).
["It’s summertime in Antiquarium and everyone has flocked to the majestic lakeside Purple Pearl Hotel, including the nefarious group of evil mad scientists, the Krenetics Research Association. They haven’t given up on resurrecting their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and now, they’re hot on the trail of the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power that is rumored to be lost at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. All they need to do now is find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid, boil the lake (and everything in it) away, and pluck up the pearl!
But Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee are onto them, and they are determined to stop the KRA, even though they are now full pariahs in Antiquarium society. While Millicent and the gang work together to prevent the second coming of Talon Sharktüth, they discover more secrets than they bargained for– including where they came from, and who they truly are...
It's a mad science summer vacation they'll never forget!"]
I loved this book as much as the first. It was just as quirky and weird and fun and science-y. It was about sticking out when everyone is telling you to fit in. It's about research and found family and self-exploration. It's about science (mad science) and kindness and saving the world.
This series is fabulous and beautiful, and I really do thing everyone needs to read it. It's glorious!
#themillicentquibbschoolofetiquetteforyoungladiesofmadscience #secretsofthepurplepearl #gedwinagandlestick #katemckinnon #childrensbooks #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["It’s summertime in Antiquarium and everyone has flocked to the majestic lakeside Purple Pearl Hotel, including the nefarious group of evil mad scientists, the Krenetics Research Association. They haven’t given up on resurrecting their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and now, they’re hot on the trail of the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power that is rumored to be lost at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. All they need to do now is find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid, boil the lake (and everything in it) away, and pluck up the pearl!
But Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee are onto them, and they are determined to stop the KRA, even though they are now full pariahs in Antiquarium society. While Millicent and the gang work together to prevent the second coming of Talon Sharktüth, they discover more secrets than they bargained for– including where they came from, and who they truly are...
It's a mad science summer vacation they'll never forget!"]
I loved this book as much as the first. It was just as quirky and weird and fun and science-y. It was about sticking out when everyone is telling you to fit in. It's about research and found family and self-exploration. It's about science (mad science) and kindness and saving the world.
This series is fabulous and beautiful, and I really do thing everyone needs to read it. It's glorious!
#themillicentquibbschoolofetiquetteforyoungladiesofmadscience #secretsofthepurplepearl #gedwinagandlestick #katemckinnon #childrensbooks #books #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
October 14, 2025
YOU MUST listen to the audio version of this book! Book feels like the wrong word. It's a production..a whole world..and entire thing. I think this is technically middle grade but my husband, kids, and I listened to this together (they're 7 and 9) and every time we listened we were laughing out loud - down to the credits!
They ANXIOUSLY awaited this release and are already dying for the third book!
Kate McKinnon - you built something great here and I hope it catches like wildfire!
They ANXIOUSLY awaited this release and are already dying for the third book!
Kate McKinnon - you built something great here and I hope it catches like wildfire!
April 6, 2026
If you have daughters, this book is a must. it's witty and clever and hilarious and the characters are such wonderful little weirdos! I enjoyed reading this book to my girls as much as they enjoyed listening!
November 3, 2025
Many great elements but hard to push through.
Believe this is written for a younger audience, and TO a younger audience. A LOT of details and names to remember, clearly meant to be silly, but only amusing with the appropriate, broad background knowledge. Names, poems, redacted lines, all seem based in literary and political knowledge, but children wouldn't have that and adults may not appreciate a story about shrimp maids and abandoned, mistreated children.
Most of all, making a mystery of critical information, e.g. children's origins, whether their parents are dead, and what their real names are? Not funny, not cute. Clearly people in the story have the information, so underneath its a book about cruelty and the lack of power children have, mistreatment ... which to this reader is not a good topic to use for children's humor. IMO this crosses the line from absurd to scary, for children.
Believe this is written for a younger audience, and TO a younger audience. A LOT of details and names to remember, clearly meant to be silly, but only amusing with the appropriate, broad background knowledge. Names, poems, redacted lines, all seem based in literary and political knowledge, but children wouldn't have that and adults may not appreciate a story about shrimp maids and abandoned, mistreated children.
Most of all, making a mystery of critical information, e.g. children's origins, whether their parents are dead, and what their real names are? Not funny, not cute. Clearly people in the story have the information, so underneath its a book about cruelty and the lack of power children have, mistreatment ... which to this reader is not a good topic to use for children's humor. IMO this crosses the line from absurd to scary, for children.
November 24, 2025
I loved this as much as I loved the first.
This has the same kind of quirky qualities that that my kids grew up with when reading Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. Entertaining as it is on its own, there was nostalgia layered into my experience.
Both volumes are ending on my list of best books read in 2025- with a nod to the best audio narration. I love it when authors narrate their own works, and Kate McKinnon takes it to the next level.
This has the same kind of quirky qualities that that my kids grew up with when reading Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. Entertaining as it is on its own, there was nostalgia layered into my experience.
Both volumes are ending on my list of best books read in 2025- with a nod to the best audio narration. I love it when authors narrate their own works, and Kate McKinnon takes it to the next level.
January 16, 2026
Fuck yeah! The second adventure of Millicent and her pupeels is epic and hilarious. Please listen to the audio, or you will miss out on the genius voices and accents of Kate McKinnon and her sister. No, really you must. Kate, I hope you have nothing better to do than write and write and write. My fourth graders and I NEED you!
October 18, 2025
One must listen to the audiobook. Kate being Kate.
October 24, 2025
Secrets of the Purple Pearl (Book 2 in The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science) by Kate McKinnon
Ahhh I was so excited for this one! 💜 The Porch Sisters are back and this time summer vacation at the glamorous Purple Pearl Hotel turns into a full blown mad science showdown! ⚗️😱When the Krenetics Research Association shows up…still trying to resurrect their terrifying leader…it’s up to Gertrude…Eugenia…Dee-Dee and their eccentric mentor Millicent Quibb to stop them. Their quest? Find the legendary Purple Pearl hidden deep in Lake Kagloopy before the bad guys do! 🧪💦Along the way…there are Shrimpmaids…boiling lakes (yes boiling 😆)and some jaw dropping revelations about who the sisters really are👀✨
If you or your young reader loves quirky adventures this series is pure joy. The audiobook narrated by Kate McKinnon herself is a total masterpiece 🎧she brings every wild scene to life! And the hard copy? A must-have. The zany illustrations are packed with detail and humor that perfectly match the chaos📖💥I love these characters so much and revisiting them felt like coming home to delightful madness. Adults I’m begging you read this one…laugh yourself silly then pass it to a young reader who needs a dose of madcap wonder! 💫🤖💜
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the copy
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
Ahhh I was so excited for this one! 💜 The Porch Sisters are back and this time summer vacation at the glamorous Purple Pearl Hotel turns into a full blown mad science showdown! ⚗️😱When the Krenetics Research Association shows up…still trying to resurrect their terrifying leader…it’s up to Gertrude…Eugenia…Dee-Dee and their eccentric mentor Millicent Quibb to stop them. Their quest? Find the legendary Purple Pearl hidden deep in Lake Kagloopy before the bad guys do! 🧪💦Along the way…there are Shrimpmaids…boiling lakes (yes boiling 😆)and some jaw dropping revelations about who the sisters really are👀✨
If you or your young reader loves quirky adventures this series is pure joy. The audiobook narrated by Kate McKinnon herself is a total masterpiece 🎧she brings every wild scene to life! And the hard copy? A must-have. The zany illustrations are packed with detail and humor that perfectly match the chaos📖💥I love these characters so much and revisiting them felt like coming home to delightful madness. Adults I’m begging you read this one…laugh yourself silly then pass it to a young reader who needs a dose of madcap wonder! 💫🤖💜
Thank you Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for the copy
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...
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April 6, 2026Listening to Kate McKinnon perform the various characters she created in the audiobook edition is such a delight. This is her second book in The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.
The story is filled with bizarre creatures, crazy science, classically negligent caregivers, and features three young ladies who are sure to capture the hearts of young readers.
I really enjoyed listening to Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne narrate the audiobook and I look forward to the next book in the series. They are reminiscent of the Lemony Snicket book series and I hope she keeps their adventures going for a long time.
New word: zinus "1. A sense of excitement, as if something amazing is about to happen; 2. A sense that you're going to be eating something amazing for dinner; 3. The sum total of hope and goodness and compassion in the universe; and 4. That feeling when you find the mate of a sock that had previously been widowed." (ch. 3)
The story is filled with bizarre creatures, crazy science, classically negligent caregivers, and features three young ladies who are sure to capture the hearts of young readers.
I really enjoyed listening to Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne narrate the audiobook and I look forward to the next book in the series. They are reminiscent of the Lemony Snicket book series and I hope she keeps their adventures going for a long time.
New word: zinus "1. A sense of excitement, as if something amazing is about to happen; 2. A sense that you're going to be eating something amazing for dinner; 3. The sum total of hope and goodness and compassion in the universe; and 4. That feeling when you find the mate of a sock that had previously been widowed." (ch. 3)
September 30, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley for the eARC!!
Secrets of the Purple Pearl, the second installment of The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.
The nefarious KRA are back at it again. Brewing up plans to resurrect their leader, Talon Sharktüth, at the Purple Pearl Hotel. Of course Millicent Quibb, Gertrude, Dee-Dee, and Eugenia are there and will intervene by any means necessary! Thus, The Porch Sisters embark on several fun filled Mad Scientist adventures while also uncovering secrets from their past. Can they successfully foil the plans of the Krenetics Research Association?
I loved the first book and was thrilled when I got the chance to read an advanced copy of the second book! It is such a fun and quirky read. I can clearly hear Kate McKinnon narrating this to me in my head as I read, which makes it even funnier! Not only is it a hilariously funny read for kids, it has so many positive messages interwoven into the story! Can’t wait to continue this series and see what adventure Millicent and The Porch Sisters end up on next!
Secrets of the Purple Pearl, the second installment of The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science.
The nefarious KRA are back at it again. Brewing up plans to resurrect their leader, Talon Sharktüth, at the Purple Pearl Hotel. Of course Millicent Quibb, Gertrude, Dee-Dee, and Eugenia are there and will intervene by any means necessary! Thus, The Porch Sisters embark on several fun filled Mad Scientist adventures while also uncovering secrets from their past. Can they successfully foil the plans of the Krenetics Research Association?
I loved the first book and was thrilled when I got the chance to read an advanced copy of the second book! It is such a fun and quirky read. I can clearly hear Kate McKinnon narrating this to me in my head as I read, which makes it even funnier! Not only is it a hilariously funny read for kids, it has so many positive messages interwoven into the story! Can’t wait to continue this series and see what adventure Millicent and The Porch Sisters end up on next!
April 15, 2026
“The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science” by Kate McKinnon is a wildly imaginative middle-grade fantasy that completely charmed me from start to finish. I listened to the audiobook, and it was an absolute delight. The narration brought the humor and quirky tone to life in such a fun, engaging way that made it hard to stop listening. There is also a PDF with really fun and beautiful illustrations and diagrams that enhances the reading experience.
This story is a little tricky to describe, but that is part of its magic. It blends whimsy, sharp humor, and just a touch of creepy in a way that feels perfectly suited for a middle-grade audience while still being entertaining for adults. The world is delightfully odd, full of strange science, unexpected twists, and memorable characters. I especially loved the Porch sisters, who quickly became my favorite part of the story. Their dynamic added so much heart and humor, and I am already excited to see where their adventures go next.
If you enjoy stories that lean into the absurd, celebrate curiosity, and do not take themselves too seriously, this is a fantastic pick. It feels like the start of a series that will only get more fun from here, and I am very much looking forward to reading more.
This story is a little tricky to describe, but that is part of its magic. It blends whimsy, sharp humor, and just a touch of creepy in a way that feels perfectly suited for a middle-grade audience while still being entertaining for adults. The world is delightfully odd, full of strange science, unexpected twists, and memorable characters. I especially loved the Porch sisters, who quickly became my favorite part of the story. Their dynamic added so much heart and humor, and I am already excited to see where their adventures go next.
If you enjoy stories that lean into the absurd, celebrate curiosity, and do not take themselves too seriously, this is a fantastic pick. It feels like the start of a series that will only get more fun from here, and I am very much looking forward to reading more.
November 20, 2025
The kid liked this. He liked that the Porches were apocryphs. He did not like the purple pearl hotel as the setting. He thought it was a weird place (kind of the point I think). He thinks the Porches should be nicer to Lavinia-Steve. And he would be friends with the Porches if Eugenia would let him.
I hope that Lavinia-Steve eventually joins them in Millicent’s school of mad science. She really seems to want to be a part of it.
I hope that Lavinia-Steve eventually joins them in Millicent’s school of mad science. She really seems to want to be a part of it.
March 11, 2026
After I read and loved the first book in this middle grade series, someone I know gushed about the audiobook, so I tried reading and listening simultaneously this time. She was so right. It was fabulous!
Comedian/author Kate McKinnon’s rhythm combined with her dramatic and hilarious voices is a delightful experience, and following along with the words and illustrations in print was perfection!
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, and I will definitely take it in the same way.
Comedian/author Kate McKinnon’s rhythm combined with her dramatic and hilarious voices is a delightful experience, and following along with the words and illustrations in print was perfection!
I’m looking forward to the next book in this series, and I will definitely take it in the same way.
October 14, 2025
I thought this was as much fun as the first one. It really needs to be listened to instead of read but it is really fun to follow along in the book because of how it is written and the illustrations. The audible is as much performed as read and it is hilarious. I look forward to there being more books in this series. I am 70 but, not too old for it but, I think my grandkids will love it.
November 11, 2025
Here's hoping that she continues to have success with her writing career. They are always fun and really kooky and over the top, but I've coming to expect that from her. The audiobooks are absolute perfection - I listen while flipping through my hard copy for all of the illustrations. So many voices provided by Kate (and her sister!)
December 23, 2025
Kate McKinnon, or rather, G. Edwina Candlestank, is a genius, and I feel just as enraptured by this book as I was at the end of the first story.
I know that this series will eventually end, but I'm begging for a third book.
This is officially my new favorite MG fantasy series, and I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and read it.
I know that this series will eventually end, but I'm begging for a third book.
This is officially my new favorite MG fantasy series, and I need everyone to stop what they're doing right now and read it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 234 reviews