The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science

Actor McKinnon celebrates weirdness in this ludicrous and unpredictable female-centered romp, a series-starting debut in the tradition of Daniel Pinkwater and Dav Pilkey. Compassionate, slug-loving Gertrude, rock-enthusiast Eugenia, and brainiac Dee-Dee Porch do not feel as if they fit into the posh society of Antiquarium, Rhodechussetts, where they are kicked out of yet another etiquette school after an experiment with a flying bat harnessed into a “Bat Straightener” goes awry. The sisterly trio are soon taken in by the “infamous mad scientist” Millicent Quibb, who invites them to become her first students as they work together to combat a nefarious research association. Madcap misadventures ensue within a plot that’s loaded with self-aware asides and wry humor; an opening warning notes that “the situations contained in these books could cause: Instant death, Extremely instant death (bad), Semi-instant death (worse),” and more. Ink drawings by Cáceres give vivid life to the amusing absurdity of this over-the-top, 1911-set tale where Pastramibirds fly and monstrous sharp-toothed worms have hankerings for bichon frise. Grayscale illustrations depict the protagonists with varying skin tones. Ages 8–12. (Oct.)

Update: The text of this review has been updated for clarity.