Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Book 1) (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, 1) Paperback – 3 July 2008

This is a good fun read. A story written in the form of a middle school boy's diary (or journal as he would prefer it to be known) complete with his own cartoons which are a perfect and hilarious counterpoint to his authentic pre-teen voice, that says so much by leaving out so much!There are various cultural references that a non American reader must interpret - usually with an eye to what we see on movies. I think middle school is like 11-14 or something, but no doubt an American reader of this comment can correct me if I am wrong.I loved the way this book gets into the head of the boy who writes it though. Things like "The Cheese Touch" or the naming of your racing cars with rude words and such like to put off your opponent are just so reminicent of that age.What I particularly enjoyed was the way memory and imagination can fill in so many details. The boys in one class end up making a list of rude words they don't want their robot to say. Not only was that a hilarious scene, but I could also imagine being there, and I could imagine all the conversations and hilarity that would surround that list. The description is brief but somehow it brings out so much more.All in all this is a perfect book for 8-13s or so, and indeed anyone who remembers what it was like to be that age!

I bought this, along with book 2, for my nephew for his 8th birthday. He is good at maths, but reading hasn't been one of his fondest things to do - that is until he picked this up.He started reading it on a night before bed with his Mum or Dad, but was soon off reading it on his own. Before long he was onto book 2, so I bought book 3 as his Easter gift instead of chocolate - he was (genuinely) overjoyed! He has started reading these books at any given opportunity - even on the 25 minute drive to school.Given that most of my nephew's conversations in the past revolved around computer games, it was really good to hear him talking with such enthusiasm and laughter about the books; books which he had read himself, and which he had fits of laughter with as he tried to talk you through some of the antics within them!I did get a little feedback from my sister about his use of "moron" and "jerk" which he picked up from the book, but this soon settled down - enough for her to invest in the remaining books of the series!!Overall, I would recommend all of the books in the series - had I known of their success in getting him interested in reading for enjoyment I would have bought the boxset at the outset!!

My son loves it.

A very funny book, which my little boy who is almost 7 adores. Came a tad bend, however was not a massive issue.If your kid wants a book that will make them belly ache with laughter, this is the book for them.

Bought it for my 7 year old who is a very good reader for his age, but read it myself as well (he's finished & on the second book, I'm NEARLY finished book 1!) Very amusing, even an adult would laugh at parts of it. It is very well observed.I'm smiling as I think of one illustration: the narrator was commenting that his parents react differently to bad behaviour. His mother goes off & considers how to best punish the child, while the dad throws whatever is closest at hand in the offender's direction. This is accompanied by two wee cartoons. One shows the dad sitting in an armchair holding a newspaper with the caption 'Good time to make dad mad'. The second cartoon shows dad with some cement, holding a trowel & a small brick. The caption reads 'Bad time to make dad mad' (or words to that effect).... If that would offend you, leave this one on the shelf!I don't think there is anything nasty or vile in this book that would make you hide it away from your child. The illustrations are funny as well. My son loved it & I think I'll end up buying the whole set. Hope that helps someone!

Ok

I'm yet to come across a boy aged 7-10ish who doesn't love the wimpy kid books. It's a great present for a boy this age who likes to read, or even a reluctant reader. These books inspired both of my sons to love reading.

As a 1-to-1 teacher working with dyslexics and struggling readers, I am always on the look out for books which will appeal to my older pupils. The Wimpy book series has been very successful for me.They have all heard about the books, some have seen the film and the 'handwritten' text with plenty of cartoon type pictures is different and less daunting than the usual page full of print.The books do contain some difficult vocabulary but my pupils know that I will read for them any words they do not recognise or cannot quickly work out or guess so their confidence isn't dented and they can get on with enjoying the humour. They like the fact that they are reading the same popular books that their friends have been talking about. Some very reluctant readers have even asked me if they can start the lesson by reading - unheard of. I know some have bought their own copies of the books.I like them too!