Red House Children's Book Award

Questions & Answers

How do you feel about being shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award?

I'm so excited to have been shortlisted for the Red House Children's Book Award! I was never sure if my humor would translate across the ocean, and I'm so glad kids in the UK are embracing my books.

How would you describe the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series in five words?

Weakling tries to survive school

Where did you get your inspiration for the character of Greg?

I wanted to write about a kid who wasn't perfect. I think there are plenty of books out there with characters who always do the right thing or act heroically, and I wanted to create an anti-hero.

Are you surprised at how successful the books have been?

Yes! I never thought my books would get published.

What is your favourite children's book?

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Disney World, when it's not crowded.

What's your favourite joke?

I'm not a big fan of jokes. What I like are real-life stories. They are much funnier to me than something that's been made up.

If you could have any super power what would it be?

I think I'd go with flying, although I'd have to get some good wraparound goggles so the wind didn't bother my eyes. Then again, I might look silly flying around in goggles while everyone else was walking.

What makes you laugh?

True-life stories that you just couldn't make up. My friend recently told me that in high school, her sister borrowed her mom's fancy shirt and wore it to school. Her mother found out, came to the school, knocked on the window on the classroom door, and made the girl hand back the shirt, which was replaced by an ugly sweater. I love that kind of story.

Who is your hero?

My parents. They worked very hard to give us a decent life and encouraged us to do what made us happy.