Long Jeffrey M D

Jeff Kinney, born February 19, 1971, is an American author and illustrator recognized primarily for creating the highly popular "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" children's book series. He also developed the child-oriented online game world, Poptropica. Kinney's early life included attending the University of Maryland, where he created a comic strip called "Igdoof" for the student newspaper. He graduated in 1993. The concept for "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" emerged in 1998, with an online version debuting in 2004. After working on the concept for nearly eight years, he secured a publishing deal, and the first print book was released in April 2007. The series has achieved global success, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide as of late 2025, and has been adapted into feature films. Kinney has also dedicated significant effort to promoting literacy and supporting libraries, including a substantial donation and a book tour focused on library advocacy.

The genesis of the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series can be traced back to January 1998, when Jeff Kinney conceived the idea of a middle-school student named Greg Heffley who documented his life through illustrated stories. An online iteration of this concept was launched in collaboration with Funbrain in May 2004, with daily updates appearing from September 2004 to June 2005. Kinney dedicated approximately eight years to developing the book before presenting it to a New York City publisher. During the New York Comic Con in February 2006, he finalized a multi-book agreement with Harry N. Abrams, Inc., paving the way for the print series.

The "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" books quickly became a global phenomenon. The online version garnered around 20 million views by 2007, leading to a high demand for a printed edition, which was published in April 2007. The series has since expanded to include 31 books, encompassing various formats like movie diaries and DIY books. In recognition of his impact, TIME magazine named Kinney one of the World's Most Influential People in 2009. The series has consistently received Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards for Favorite Book from 2010 to 2016. As of late 2025, over 300 million copies have been sold internationally, and the series has been adapted into feature films for which Kinney served as executive producer.

Jeff Kinney has actively engaged in promoting reading and supporting educational institutions. In October 2023, he organized a book tour titled "The No Brainer Show" across the U.S. West Coast. This tour was specifically dedicated to libraries and librarians, and Kinney made a significant personal donation of $100,000 to support libraries along the route. He also collaborated with publishers to procure diverse books for distribution to libraries and children. Each event on the tour featured a game show hosted by Kinney, with prizes awarded on behalf of local libraries. Furthermore, Kinney and his wife opened "An Unlikely Story," a bookstore and cafe in Plainville, Massachusetts, emphasizing the importance of reading as an alternative to screen time.