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 17 books in the series in 84 editions and 69 languages. The books have sold more than 275 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 films,
two 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, a costume character, emojis and licensed products.
Jeff begins writing
jokes + illustrations
for the books
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
content releases daily on
Funbrain
Jeff visits New
York ComicCon +
signs a
multi-book deal
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
publishes and becomes
an instant bestseller
Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
Rodrick Rules releases
and at least one book has
published annually ever
since
Jeff is named one of
"Time" Magazine's
100 most influential
people in the world
Image by
Ev Dow Photography
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules live action film premieres
Diary of a Wimpy Kid:
Dog Days live
action film releases
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
The first of many Greg Heffley character costumes is created
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul live action film releases
Greg Heffley emojis are released worldwide
The Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid series launches and becomes an instant New Your Times bestseller
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 20th Century Studios.
© 2022 20th Century Studios.
Photo by Kaitlin Randolph
The Wimpy Kid Musical returns to the Childrens' Theatre Company
Over 275 million books sold worldwide
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Diper Överlöde (book 17 in the series) releases
The second animated movie: Rodrick Rules releases on Disney+ on December 2