The bestselling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is back with a new book and a film tie-in edition.
Ask any young reader if they know Greg Heffley, and they will likely start rattling off their favourite funny moments from the seventeen-book-strong series, Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.
Full of humour, the illustrated novels follow Greg and his best friend Rowley on a journey through middle school and beyond. The books are astute yet funny, combining important coming-of-age lessons with laugh-out-loud moments. With humous illustrations accompanying the text, the books are approachable enough to turn even the most hesitant readers into bookworms.
Since the first book came out in 2007, Jeff Kinney has skyrocketed to astronomical success. The first book instantly hit the New York Times Bestsellers list and has remained there ever since. In fact, the series has spent over 750 consecutive weeks on the list, longer than any other kids’ series. On top of that, 275 million copies have sold worldwide – but the phenomenon goes far beyond book sales alone.
When the Wimpy Kid books first hit Australia in 2008, they were an instant success. Due to their popularity, Jeff made his first trip to Australia to promote the books in 2012, speaking to massive crowd of fans at the Sydney Opera House. Who knew that what started as one funny book would still be such a phenomenon more than ten years later?
In its entirety, the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series currently comprises seventeen novels, with the latest addition being Diper Överlöde. There have also been three spin-off novels about Greg’s best friend, Rowley, three movie diaries, a Do-It-Yourself activity book, multiple box sets, wall calendars, and stationery products.
Since 2010, three different Greg Heffley balloons have been in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – the second-oldest parade in the United States and the largest one in the world! There have been four live-action and two animated movies based on the series. There is even a musical based on Diary of a Wimpy Kid, with original music and lyrics by Michael Mahler and Alan Schmuckler.
Praise from Young Readers
'Jeff Kinney clearly made a masterclass for a kid to relish. My group of friends are huge fans of this book even though we all are fully grown teenagers now. This book is a gem for all ages as I envisage that I and my group will continue reading this til our old age. And if I could describe this book in a few words then I would just say it in one sentence that "this book can put a smile on your face."' — Shreyas R.
'Greg Heffley is a clear representation of the English working class during the Industrial Revolution. Greg’s ceaseless attempts to reach a state of popularity truly represent the lack of upward mobility for newly urbanized workers. I believe the world in which the novel is placed is a heavily satirized version of the world we live in.' — Evan Clark
'What I think about the book is really funny and entertaining. It is Funny and Entertaining because, well, I don't want to give it away, but just have fun reading it and enjoy it. I am a big, wait not big but a major fan of Jeff Kinney. Jeff’s books are so good. Keep up the amazing work, Jeff.' — Japsehaj Ubhi
'This book deals with honest emotions of a young man, friendships, and social aspects of middle school, and bullies. With humour and honesty, Jeff Kinney relates a story of a young man who is open about his life and is not ashamed about his feelings. I loved this book and would recommend it to people of all ages.' — A. Dew
What’s next for Wimpy Kid?
- Diper Överlöde: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (17)
When Greg decides to tag along with his brother Rodrick’s band, Löded Diper, he realises that being a Rockstar isn’t all glitz and glamour. Can Greg help the band become the legends he thinks they are, or will too much time with Rodrick’s band be a bit of an överlöde?
- Rodrick Rules: Diary of a Wimpy Kid (BK2), film tie-in
In December, a new Disney+ original animated movie will drop, based on the second book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Roderick Rules focuses on Greg’s older brother, Roderick, as he tries to uncover Greg’s deep, dark secret. This tie-in edition features an exclusive cover image coinciding with the animated film.
Coming 22 November 2022.
Want more? Check out Diper Överlöde here.
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