Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book is not one of the books in the popular, and very funny, Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney. Instead, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book is for all those tweens and young teens who, inspired by the series, have thought about keeping a journal, but haven't done it yet. While the title says, "Diary," young writers are warned, "Whatever you do, just make sure you don't write down your 'feelings' in here. Because one thing's for sure: This is NOT a diary."
The Format of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book
The artwork and design, the humor, and the tone of this book all reflect those found in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules and Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw. Like the series, this book has lined pages like a real diary might and includes cartoon drawings like the ones created by the main character in the series, middle school student Greg Heffley.The Contents of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book
The first part of the book is filled with writing and drawing prompts, including questions to answer, lists to complete, and comic strips to finish. The rest of the book is to be used "to keep a daily journal, write a novel, draw comic strips, or tell your life story." Each page of this second section is lined and contains one small drawing at the bottom, leaving lots of space for your tween (8-12 years old) or teen to write and illustrate the remaining pages in the book.Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book: My Recommendation
I recommend Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Do-It-Yourself Book for fans of the series, generally middle school students, although I know a lot of fourth and fifth graders who love the books. I also recommend it for kids who might enjoy the opportunity to draw cartoons and/or write about their lives. Because the writing and drawing prompts are humorous and fun, tweens and young teens will find them appealing. Hopefully, by the time they finish them, they will be eager to fill the remaining pages of the book with their own comics and writing. (Amulet Books, An Imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc. 2008. ISBN: 9780810979772)
