Have you ever loved a book so much that you wished its characters would jump off the pages and come alive? On March 19, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” fans will see it happen as the bestselling book series becomes a live-action movie starring Zachary Gordon as Greg Heffley, the hapless middle-schooler otherwise known as the “Wimpy Kid.” New York Family spoke to author Jeff Kinney via phone to hear firsthand the story of his unplanned success.
The books’ main character, Greg Heffley, is a seventh grader. Why do you think the books are so popular with younger kids?
I think third through fifth grade is the sweet spot. Kids like to read about kids older than them. I mean, 12-year-old girls read “Seventeen” magazine.
How does it feel to be received as a rock star when you appear for book signings?
It’s funny, I have a dual life: the normal and completely mundane. I’m a dad, I have a full-time job—then I get to do make-believe sometimes. I love meeting the fans.
Do you consider yourself an author or a cartoonist?
I never set out to be an author. I call myself a failed cartoonist—not in jest or with false humility. I tried unsuccessfully to break into the newspaper cartooning world. I don’t feel like I necessarily belong at either place— the author convention or the cartoon convention. But I like to be neither here nor there. The “Wimpy Kid” books are not graphic novels, really, but they are not quite illustrated books either. They are books told in the language of cartoons.
How did you get in touch with your inner seventh grader?
I spent four years writing down memories from my childhood, talking to my brothers and trying to inhabit the mind of a kid.
Are the stories autobiographical at all?
There is some family DNA in the books. I was on the soccer team and the swim team. But I was trying to write archetypes—to just portray a generic childhood.
You have a new book, “The Wimpy Kid Movie Diary,” coming out along with the movie. Tell us about that book.
It was a labor of love. I was involved in the movie process, from hiring writers through script changes, casting, table reads and filming. I was wide-eyed with wonderment about the process, and I realized my audience would be, too. I tried to share the experience while keeping with the diary theme of the series.
What are you up to now?
I’m touring with actors from the film, and I started working on the fifth book in the series.
Will the character of Greg grow older as you write more books?
I see Greg as more of a cartoon character than a literary character, and cartoon characters don’t age. Maybe I would take him to freshman year of high school.
Plus, This Month’s Highlights In Books, Music And DVDs
BOOKS
Thank You For
Me! Written
by Marion Dane Bauer, Illustrated by Kristina Stephenson Colorful
illustrations and simple rhymes tell a story of a child’s gratitude for
everything, from his nose all the way down to his toes. Written by the
Newbury Honor Awardwinning author of “On My Honor,” this story is sure
to delight children and parents alike. (Available March 23; Simon &
Schuster)
MUSIC
Jazz Playground It’s easy to get into the groove with Putumayo Kids’
“Jazz Playground.” This CD introduces kids to the diverse sounds of
jazz, from bebop and swing to Latin and African jazz, and comes with a
storybook-style guide to this global genre. (Available March 9; Putumayo
Kids)
DVDS
Curious George 2: Follow that Monkey! Curious George is at it again!
In this latest adventure he befriends Kayla, a baby elephant, and helps
her travel from New York to California to find her family. (Available
March 2; Imagine Entertainment)
