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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Interview with Author Jeff Kinney and Giveaway

March 21, 2011 by Dawn

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy here.

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Do you know Jeff Kinney, author/cartoonist extraordinaire? If you have children in the 9 to 12 age set, perhaps you’ve seen his Diary of a Wimpy Kid series, with five “novels in cartoons” released so far, in the hands of your own child. The Wimpy Kid books have become a phenomenon among young readers all on their own, which I can personally attest to as the mother of a ten year old boy. When the first book jumped from the page to the screen with the 2010 release of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie, fans of the book watched Greg Heffley transform from a simple line drawing into the flesh, as portrayed by Zachary Gordon, and the complete tone of the first book brought to life before their very eyes.

Well, Greg is back in the theaters with the March 25th release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, and I know it’s getting a lot of talk in my own house! After reading the first two books myself, as well as catching the first movie on DVD with my son, I have to admit that I’m interested in catching this sequel, too.

I was recently honored to represent 5 Minutes for Mom in a chat with eight other bloggers and Jeff Kinney himself. Many of us professed our new-found stardom in our children’s eyes as a result of simply being on the call, and Jeff was quite gracious and open to answering all sorts of questions that we posed about the development of the books, his opinion of the movies, and his future projects.

Although I feared potentially offending him, I couldn’t help but ask Jeff a question that addressed some parents’ concerns that the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books portray a character who is… less than a great role model, let’s say. Thankfully, he didn’t boot me off the call, and his response struck me as quite thoughtful:

“I’ve tried to create this character that is funny because he’s imperfect. And I know that might sound like a copout. But for somebody to say that Greg is a bad kid or a rude kid, I don’t quite agree with that. I would say that he’s flawed. He’s a kid whose life is being documented at a time that nobody would want their life documented.

I’ve come to find that kids have a certain sophistication in the way that they read these books. They don’t see Greg as a role model, but they might share his point of view from time to time. Mark Twain, for example, wrote about these characters, Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer who were not model citizens. But he trusted his readers to figure it out for themselves.”

I was also surprised to find out that not only does Jeff Kinney still hold down a regular old 9 to 5 job in addition to writing and illustrated this beloved series, he’s also the brains behind one of my son’s very favorite websites, Poptropica! And if you’re located in the Washington, DC, metro area (like me!), you’ll be happy to know that he will be appearing at the annual big event of his alma mater, the University of Maryland’s Maryland Day in late April. (We’ll be in line for his book signing, for sure.) And don’t worry– he’s hard at work right now on another Wimpy Kid book for the series!

As far as the movies go, Jeff is pleased with the portrayals, acknowledging that the approach to making the films differs from the writing process. He’s been involved with the movie production developing scripts, helping with casting decisions and being on set at times, building relationships with the actors and even contributing “gags” as the movies were being filmed. I especially enjoyed this comment he made: “I feel great that we’re making live action movies, with real kids who are actually in middle school. It’s quite different than the rest of the field, which is mostly 3D and computer generated. I think there is something almost retro about these movies.”

If you haven’t seen it yet, be sure to check out the official movie trailer for Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, or even “like” the movie on Facebook.

The 5 Minutes for Books team is happy to be offering a “bookish” giveaway today in conjunction with the upcoming movie release.

One lucky winner will receive four Diary of a Wimpy Kid games and toys (total prize pack valued at $79.00):

  • the Zoo-Wee Mama Card Game
  • The Cheese Touch Board Game
  • a Wimpy Kid Action Figure
  • a 200-piece puzzle
  • Diary of a Wimpy Kid UNO

To enter, please leave a comment, U.S. mailing addresses only. The winner will be announced in this column on April 4.

Giveaway courtesy of 20th Century Fox.

The winner of our previous giveaway is A Double Life: Discovering Motherhood is #13 melissa n.

5 Minutes for Books reviewer Dawn and her son are currently bonding over a certain Wimpy Kid. Their own wimpy stories are told at her blog, my thoughts exactly.

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About Dawn

When she's not reviewing books, 5 Minutes for Books contributor Dawn (and her online alter ego, morninglight mama) can be found blogging at my thoughts exactly and contributing to The DC Moms.

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73 Comments

  1. Kris I. says

    April 2, 2011 at 4:53 pm

    My daughter loves these books!

    Reply
  2. ChristiS says

    April 1, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    My boys LOVE these books and loved the first movie! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    Reply
  3. Jenny Lloyd says

    April 1, 2011 at 7:03 am

    My stepsons love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid book series and are very excited about seeing Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rule. I would be the best stepmom ever if I won this great prize pack.

    Reply
  4. Mia says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    My son would love this prize…thanks for the opportunity!

    Reply
    • Dawn says

      April 3, 2011 at 9:42 pm

      Congratulations, Mia! You’re our lucky winner for this prize pack. Please email me your mailing info at morninglightmama (at) gmail (dot) com. Congrats!

      Reply
      • Mia says

        April 4, 2011 at 1:55 am

        Thank you SO MUCH Dawn!!!
        What a pleasant surprise & WONDERFUL way to end the weekend!!!
        = )

        Reply
  5. John says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Great giveaway! My kids love those books.

    Reply
  6. Natalia K says

    March 31, 2011 at 11:41 am

    My daughter love Wimpy Kids!

    Reply
  7. kim says

    March 31, 2011 at 10:42 am

    My son has been talking about this for the last few weeks. I’d love to win it for him!

    Reply
  8. Eileen says

    March 31, 2011 at 2:32 am

    My daughter and my grandson…both the same age (lol) are way into these books and would love to share this cool gift! thanks!

    Reply
  9. Tabathia B says

    March 30, 2011 at 12:27 am

    My daughter would so love this

    Reply
  10. Leanne says

    March 29, 2011 at 11:44 pm

    My niece and nephew would LOVE this!!

    Reply
  11. Noreen says

    March 29, 2011 at 6:10 pm

    My daughter loves all of the books and the first movie.

    Reply
  12. emily l says

    March 29, 2011 at 9:47 am

    My son would absolutely love this!

    [email protected]

    Reply
  13. Maureen says

    March 28, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    We aren’t quite here yet (my boys are 6) but these movies and books like they will definitely be on our list when we do! Thanks, Maureen (jnomaxx at hotmail dot com)

    Reply
  14. Debby says

    March 28, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    Great gift, I would love to win this for my grandkids.

    Reply
  15. Ali says

    March 28, 2011 at 1:01 pm

    This would be a great thing to win. My children would love it!

    Reply
  16. Andrea says

    March 27, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    I have two boys who are HUGE fans of the book series and Jeff Kinney! We are taking my son & his best friends to see the movie for his Wimpy Kid party next week but, I am equally excited. This giveaway is awesome!!!

    Reply
  17. Sharon Carr says

    March 27, 2011 at 11:52 am

    I have a grandson that I would love to share this with. He lives with me so I’m especially blessed!

    Reply
  18. amy warren says

    March 27, 2011 at 12:28 am

    my kids would love this! thanks for all the info on jeff kinney!

    Reply
  19. Daniel M says

    March 27, 2011 at 12:13 am

    looks like a fun kit!

    Reply
  20. Ellen C. says

    March 26, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I’d like to win this for my son. Thanks!

    Reply
  21. Jessica T says

    March 24, 2011 at 9:18 pm

    This would be great to win!

    Reply
  22. Ali says

    March 24, 2011 at 2:33 pm

    This would be a great thing to win. Thanks!

    Reply
  23. Jennifer Harshman says

    March 24, 2011 at 1:49 am

    My son just loves this series!

    Reply
  24. Cori Westphal says

    March 23, 2011 at 10:45 pm

    Can’t wait to see the new movie!

    coriwestphal at msn dot com

    Reply
  25. Linda Kish says

    March 23, 2011 at 8:55 pm

    Sounds great. Count me in please.

    lkish77123 at gmail dot com

    Reply
  26. Vickie Couturier says

    March 23, 2011 at 6:08 pm

    My grandchildren would be crazy about getting this,,,

    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    Reply
  27. brandy says

    March 23, 2011 at 3:24 pm

    My boys love the movie..

    Reply
  28. Debby says

    March 23, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    This will be a great movie for kids. The books are wonderful too.

    Reply
  29. Angel S. says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:56 pm

    Great book series. My son loves them!

    Reply
  30. Katie says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:49 am

    Those look like some fun games!

    Reply
  31. Ruth Hill says

    March 23, 2011 at 9:00 am

    Please enter me to win. Thanks.

    Reply
  32. katklaw777 says

    March 23, 2011 at 5:33 am

    Neat giveaway and fun for all, thanks!

    Reply
  33. Stephanie Baker says

    March 23, 2011 at 1:22 am

    All three of my boys love Diary of a Wimpy Kid….they would love this!!

    Reply
  34. Selina says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:24 am

    My son and nephews love this series; this would make a great gift for them. Thanks for the chance. And both my daughter and my son love Poptropica. iclipalso AT yahoo DOT com

    Reply
  35. Shelagh says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:04 am

    My 9 year old daughter loved these books and is excited to see the upcoming movie. I will have to tell her that a new book is in the works and that Jeff is one of the people behind Poptropica. She and I have lots of fun figuring out the different lands in Poptropica. I am sure she would be ecstatic if we won this prize.

    Reply
  36. Melissa H says

    March 23, 2011 at 12:00 am

    My son loves these books!

    Reply
  37. Betty Bill says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:10 pm

    I would love to win this!

    Reply
  38. Karyn B. says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:58 pm

    My daughter and I just finished reading this series and we are both big fans! She even just made a card to send to Jeff Kinney because she liked the books so much. She will be so thrilled to know that there is another book coming out!

    Reply
  39. Drew Stevenson says

    March 22, 2011 at 10:57 pm

    This is a great giveaway!

    Reply
  40. Marisa says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:18 pm

    Oh! Heaven for my 9 year old!

    Reply
  41. Kristi Duncan says

    March 22, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    My kids love these books – it really got my son into reading! Thanks for the chance!

    Reply
  42. Faith Hacker says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:53 pm

    My son absolutely LOVES Diary of a Wimpy Kid. It is actually this series that got him to read without complaint. Of course, he loved the first movie and is anxiously awaiting the second!

    Reply
  43. Debby says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    I work at a public school and the students love this book. I can’t wait to see the movie with my grandkids. Would be nice to win tickets. Thanks Ladies!

    Reply
  44. LaVonne says

    March 22, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    This looks like a fun stuff 😉

    Reply
  45. Allison McGrady says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:35 am

    My son is a huge Diary of A Wimpy Kid fan!!!

    Reply
  46. Idaho Jill says

    March 22, 2011 at 11:16 am

    This looks so fun!

    Reply
  47. Mia says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:49 am

    My 11 year old and 7 year old have read all the books and we saw the movie as well. They cannot wait to see the next movie also. We even have the movie poster from the theater on my son’s bedroom wall. This would be a great prize to win for them – that you for this opportunity.

    Reply
  48. Kathy Stevenson says

    March 22, 2011 at 8:33 am

    I would love to win this for my nephew!

    Reply
  49. Debbie S says

    March 22, 2011 at 7:27 am

    My kids LOVE these books! What a great package! 🙂

    Reply
  50. Melissa P. says

    March 22, 2011 at 6:44 am

    My son absolutely loves Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Right now he is listening to one of the books via the playback that he got from the library as he follows along with the book. He would be ecstatic if I won this prize for him. lol. ; )

    Reply
  51. Lisa M says

    March 22, 2011 at 6:33 am

    This would make a great gift for my dd. We just watched the first movie and loved it!
    [email protected]

    Reply
  52. Terra Heck says

    March 22, 2011 at 5:27 am

    My sons watched the first movie and can’t wait to see the second one. Thanks.
    partymix25(at)hotmail(dot)com

    Reply
  53. heather says

    March 22, 2011 at 12:19 am

    My kids love this series…I think it’s the 1 book my oldest son actually read!

    Reply
  54. Staci A says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    We loved reading the books and can’t wait to see the newest movie! I’m sure my son’s going to love it. Thanks for the chance to enter!

    Reply
  55. Melissa M says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:50 pm

    Well, I’ve learned all about the cheese touch from my son, 12 and daughter, 8. We already have one book signed by Jeff Kinney and the whole family have become fans of the series. My daughter has started her own journals, I think inspired by these books.

    Reply
  56. Frank says

    March 21, 2011 at 5:51 pm

    I’ve only read bits of the books, at my niece’s house, but thought they were great.

    Reply
  57. Derek says

    March 21, 2011 at 2:01 pm

    I’ve seen the first movie, but never read the books, and I’m glad you asked him that question about the main character being less than a role model. Honestly I was quite taken aback by how much of a schemer the kid is. The scenes where he pushes those younger kids into a hole and then lets his best friend take the blame for it almost made me think I was watching “A Clockwork Orange: The Early Years” or something. The author’s answer is quite thoughtful, however, so I’m sure the books are better.

    Reply
  58. Christine Jensen says

    March 21, 2011 at 12:06 pm

    My kids would love this!! Thanks so much

    Reply
  59. shelly says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:26 am

    My son is a HUGE diary of a wimpy kid fan! Thanks for the chance to win this great prize pack!

    Reply
  60. AutumH says

    March 21, 2011 at 10:12 am

    My boys love the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. I hadn’t the slightest idea that the guy who wrote them had a site for children as well. Definitely will be checking it out with my kids. Thanks for the opportunity.

    Reply
  61. Mikki says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:29 am

    My nephews LOVE these books and loved the movie even more. I watched the trailer and thought it was adorable. Would love to win this for them. 🙂

    Reply
  62. Rebekah E. says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:22 am

    My kids love these books.

    Reply
  63. HappyMomC says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:14 am

    My niece and nephew would love this!

    Reply
  64. carol wenrich says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:12 am

    My kids love these books and are excited for another movie!!!

    Reply
  65. saly says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:09 am

    My kids would love to win these!

    Reply
  66. Melissa S says

    March 21, 2011 at 9:04 am

    My boys love these books!

    Reply
  67. Mel H says

    March 21, 2011 at 8:06 am

    My 8 year old daughter LOVES this series. I made a deal with her, she had to finish the 2nd book before we go see the new movie.. she finished it in 3 days. She has read all the books (in reverse) and now I can’t get her of poptropica! Just this weekend, she and her cousin were working on one of the puzzle games. I could hear them yelling inside the house when I stepped out for a breath of fresh air. Thanks for a the chance!

    Reply
  68. Mom24 says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:07 am

    My kids would love this! Thanks.

    Reply
  69. Melissa says

    March 21, 2011 at 7:05 am

    What a cool idea! Since UNO is my daughter’s all-time favorite game, and she LOVES this series, this would be great for her!

    Reply
  70. Kimberly says

    March 21, 2011 at 2:35 am

    My son just started reading these a few weeks ago and is totally engrossed in the third book. This would be a wonderful surprise for him!

    Reply
    • Jess says

      March 21, 2011 at 8:18 am

      This is my daughter’s ultimate favorite series!!

      Reply

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