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In 1998, Jeff Kinney began writing down jokes and illustrations in a series of journals for what would later become Diary of a Wimpy Kid. After six years of working on this content, Jeff released the first of many daily installments on Funbrain.com in May 2014.
After receiving millions of views of this content on Funbrain, Jeff brought a printed sample of his manuscript to New York ComicCon in 2006. Shortly thereafter, he signed a multi-book deal with Abrams to turn the writing and illustrations into a book series.
Loosely based on Jeff’s own childhood, the series follows middle school weakling, Greg Heffley, as he journals the trials, tribulations and humor of dealing with family, friends and surviving middle school.
The first book in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series was published in 2007 and gained instant success. Today, there are 18 books in the series in 84 editions and 69 languages. The books have sold more than 290 million copies globally.
In addition to the book series, Jeff has written and illustrated three spin-off titles in the Awesome Friendly Kid series, written from the perspective of Greg’s best friend, Rowley Jefferson.
Beyond the books, the Wimpy Kid series has been adapted into four live action movies, three animated films on Disney+ and a Musical. Greg Heffley also lives outside the book pages in the form of a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade balloon, emojis and licensed products.
Photo © Filip Wolak
1998
Jeff begins writing
jokes + illustrations
for the books
2007
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
publishes and becomes
an instant bestseller
and at least one book has
published annually ever
since
2009
Jeff is named one of
"Time" Magazine's
100 most influential
people in the world
2010
The first of four live action films debuts
Greg Heffley takes flight in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Jeff wins the first of six Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards for Favorite Book
Photo by Dan Norman
2016
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical debuts at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis
Jeff receives Guinness World Record's Recognition for Bestselling Author
2017
The first of many Greg Heffley character costumes is created
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul live action film releases
2019
The Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series launches and becomes an instant New York Times bestseller
2021
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie launches on Disney+ and brings Greg Heffley to life in full-color, 3D animation for the first time
©2022, Disney Enterprises, Inc.
Photo by Kaitlin Randolph
2022
The third Greg balloon chases a moldy piece of cheese down the Macy’s Thanksgiving
Day Parade route for the first time
2023
Official Wimpy Kid merchandise, including CLUE: Diary of a Wimpy Kid hit shelves
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical cast album is released
2024
Hot Mess cover revealed on the Kelly Clarkson Show with the help of superfan Jacob
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hot Mess (book 19 in the series) releases
Over 290 million books sold worldwide
