Penguin Random House

9781760892517

April  2019

Puffin

RRP: $14.99

After 13 Wimpy Kid books the series shows no signs of losing any popularity – kids from 8 to 15 are still lapping them up voraciously.  However, if such an unlikely event were to occur, Jeff Kinney has come up with a superb new twist on his famous characters.

We all know Rowley, Greg’s best friend and faithful sidekick and now he’s writing his own diary. Well, that’s how it begins but as usual with Greg’s influence it becomes rather more. In fact, it morphs into a biography of Greg as told by Rowley – who is quite possibly not the best choice for a writer to immortalise one’s talented and exciting life.

Rowley’s rather innocent outlook on life and indeed, Greg, makes for hilarious entries in his diary and only rarely does he allow himself to be the tiniest bit critical of his life-long friend. Whether it’s recalling past pranks or troubles or dares, readers gain a whole new perspective on Greg and Rowley – well, ok that may be a bit of an exaggeration as we all know that Rowley is the nice one and Greg is really a bit of a pain as a friend.

No matter, fans will gobble this up as quickly as the others and no doubt re-read it as many times.

Probably no need to recommend it because it will fly off the shelves regardless but still – recommended for those who like a bit of silliness and a fun read from around 8 years upwards.