If you’ve ever shared a space with a child aged 7 to 12, chances are you’ve heard of Jeff Kinney’s beloved character, the perpetually downcast Greg Heffley—the iconic Wimpy Kid. Greg embodies the struggles of every kid; he faces the daily challenges of middle school, navigates life as a middle child, and grapples with his less-than-stellar social standing. Between critiquing his nerdy best friend Rowley and dealing with the notorious Cheese (you’ll have to read the series to understand), Greg vocalizes the experiences we all wished we could express—often with a hilarious twist.
While Greg might be stuck in the middle of the pack, Kinney has certainly risen to the top with his series, which includes eight main titles, not counting the DIY book and the movie diary. These stories have consistently topped bestseller lists, with over 115 million copies sold worldwide. For instance, the latest installment, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck, sold over 1.3 million copies in its first week alone, boasting an initial print run of 5.5 million—placing Greg’s adventures alongside the likes of Harry Potter.
Kinney graciously took the time to chat with my son, Leo, who is an ardent fan of the Wimpy Kid books. Despite probably wanting to rush home for his own Halloween festivities, Kinney engaged Leo with humor, respect, and a genuine interest in his questions.
Here’s a glimpse into their conversation:
Kinney: Hey there! I hear you’re 8. Is that right?
Leo: Yes! Thanks for taking the time to talk to me today. I really enjoy your books!
Kinney: I appreciate that! What’s on your mind?
Leo: If Rowley were interviewing you, what do you think he’d ask?
Kinney: Oh boy! He’d probably wonder why he’s stuck in middle school and how he could escape!
Leo: Do you think Greg’s luck might improve one day? Maybe a cute girl could ask him out?
Kinney: Honestly, I think you might find a girlfriend before Greg does! It’s fun to keep him in a bit of a rut.
Leo: I get that. But what about making things worse for him?
Kinney: You’ll see! I make sure to keep piling on the problems for Greg. It’s more entertaining that way!
Leo: What about Manny? Do you think he’ll ever get what’s coming to him?
Kinney: Who knows? Little siblings can be tricky! I thought they always got away with everything.
Leo: Is your character Rowley your favorite?
Kinney: I would say yes! Rowley enjoys being a kid and isn’t rushing to grow up, which is refreshing.
Leo: Do you think Greg could become popular again like during the Stealth-o-nater incident?
Kinney: That might be tough. We’ll see where his adventures take him, but I think he’ll have to navigate the chaos first.
Their discussion was filled with laughter and insights, revealing Kinney’s knack for connecting with kids through his storytelling.
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In summary, Kinney’s humor and relatability shine through in his interactions, mirroring the experiences of kids everywhere while ensuring his characters stay true to their roots.