Kinney visits UK for 'drive-thru' event marking 16th Wimpy Kid title

To celebrate the release of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Big Shot (Puffin), author and illustrator Jeff Kinney will visit UK fans for the first time in more than two years, culminating in a "drive-thru" book signing experience.

Marking the release of the 16th title in the series, Kinney's UK apperances follows the success of two drive-thru tours during the pandemic in the US.

The UK event will be held at Wolverhampton Grammar School on 17th November.  Fans will be able to drive through the school grounds in pre-booked 15 minutes slots, travelling through sports-themed scenery, designed to tie in with the book. The experience will feature central characters Greg and Rowley before reaching the finish line where Kinney will personally deliver children their signed copies of Big Shot. 

There will also be an opportunity to take part in a "spot the sports" competition during the event, where attendees have the chance to win a boxed set of Kinney’s three Awesome Friendly books.

The 16th book in the series follows Greg as he tries to navigate sports day. The synopsis explains: "Greg is back, and this time it’s clear that Greg Heffley and sports just don’t mix. After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he’s officially retired. But after his mum urges him to give sports one more chance, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for basketball. Tryouts are a mess, and Greg is sure he won’t make the cut. But he unexpectedly lands a spot on the worst team.

"As Greg and his new teammates start the season, their chances of winning even a single game look slim. But in sports, anything can happen. When everything is on the line and the ball is in Greg’s hands, will he rise to the occasion? Or will he blow his big shot?"