'Wimpy Kid' book moves to big screen

(FOX Providence) - The misadventures of a smart-mouthed middle-schooler and his diary are a favorite among young fans. And now, the unlikely star of " Diary of a Wimpy Kid, " is about to be a big screen star. And, so is the local author who dreamed him up.

For Plainville, Masssachusetts author Jeff Kinney, all of the Hollywood action was actually plan b.

"I'm a failed cartoonist. I really wanted to become a newspaper cartoonist," said Kinney.

But, when Kinney mixed his passion for drawing, with the voice of an 11-year-old wimpy kid, character Greg Heffley was born. And copies of his " Diary " sold, in the tens of millions.

Now the misadventures of this 'tweenager' are hitting the big screen. And for Kinney, the anticipation has reduced him to, well, a little kid!

"Oh this is so exciting, you know, it's just really neat, because we're at the crest of the wave with these books, and it's the right time for the movie, and I'm really excited just to see, you know, the movie is just a different expression of the book, it's got more emotional impact than the stories on the written page, and I just can't wait to see it with an audience, I haven't seen it with an audience yet."

This author is also a dad, and when he stopped by The Rhode Show , he said that as Greg Heffley grows into his own, Kinney's kids will be the inspiration.

"I'm hoping they'll read these books as they get older, and I'm hoping to milk them for ideas," said Kinney.

The movie, Diary of a Wimpy Kid premiers Friday, March 19th.

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